Citrus-Glazed Pork with Plantain Slices

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

Tender pork loin coated in a bright orange and lime glaze, served with caramelized plantain slices for a balanced meal. This puerto rican-inspired quick meals ready in about 42 minutes pairs pork loin, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice pork loin into 1-inch thick medallions and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk orange juice, lime juice, honey, and soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Sear pork medallions for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, peel plantains and slice into 1/2-inch rounds; cook in the same skillet with a drizzle of oil until caramelized (3-4 minutes per side).
  6. Step 6: Pour glaze over pork in the skillet, simmering for 2 minutes until glossy, then serve with caramelized plantain slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Glazed Pork with Plantain Slices take to make?

Total time is about 42 minutes (20 min prep + 22 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 Citrus-Glazed Pork with Plantain Slices?

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 pork loin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Glazed Pork with Plantain Slices?

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 Citrus-Glazed Pork with Plantain Slices 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 Citrus-Glazed Pork with Plantain Slices?

Puerto Rican quick meals 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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