Cast Iron Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mango Salsa

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

Juicy pork chops seared in a cast iron skillet paired with a vibrant, fresh mango salsa for a tropical flavor burst. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper evenly. Let rest 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place pork chops in the skillet and sear for 4 minutes without moving until golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the pork is juicy and tender.
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, combine 1 diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 minced jalapeño pepper in a bowl. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork chops from pan to rest 5 minutes before serving with the fresh mango salsa spooned generously on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cast Iron Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Cast Iron Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mango Salsa?

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 Cast Iron Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mango Salsa?

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 Cast Iron Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mango Salsa 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 Cast Iron Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Mango Salsa?

Caribbean pork 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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