Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Lime and Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent pork chops grilled with a zesty lime and cilantro glaze, a classic Brazilian street food favorite. This brazilian-inspired grilling ready in about 32 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, olive oil, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick) in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each chop is coated. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place on hot grill.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to plate, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Lime and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Lime and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Lime and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Lime and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Chops with Lime and Cilantro?

Brazilian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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