Grilled Citrus-Herb Pork Chops with Regional Spice Rub
Juicy pork chops grilled to perfection with a zesty citrus-herb marinade and a regional spice rub that enhances every bite. This general-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, olive oil, orange zest 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) to the marinade, turning to coat all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Step 4: Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and grill marks form, turning once.
- Step 5: Transfer chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Step 6: Serve grilled pork chops with a side of seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Pork Chops with Regional Spice Rub take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Citrus-Herb Pork Chops with Regional Spice Rub?
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 Citrus-Herb Pork Chops with Regional Spice Rub?
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 Citrus-Herb Pork Chops with Regional Spice Rub 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 Citrus-Herb Pork Chops with Regional Spice Rub?
General 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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