Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Citrus Chimichurri
Juicy pork chops grilled and topped with a bright chimichurri sauce featuring fresh herbs and citrus for a vibrant Brazilian-inspired dish. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh oregano
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and rub both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the meat has nice grill marks. Remove from heat and cover loosely with foil.
- Step 3: While the pork cooks, prepare the chimichurri: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes.
- Step 4: Whisk in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until well combined.
- Step 5: Spoon the citrus chimichurri generously over the grilled pork chops and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Citrus Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Citrus Chimichurri?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Citrus Chimichurri?
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 Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Citrus Chimichurri 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 Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Citrus Chimichurri?
Brazilian 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.