Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Rice

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

Juicy grilled pork chops marinated in a zesty citrus blend paired with fluffy cilantro lime rice for a bright and satisfying meal. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Place 4 bone-in pork chops in a resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and 2 cups water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork chops from marinade and grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and meat is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Remove rice from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lime zest for a fragrant finish.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled pork chops atop or alongside the cilantro lime rice for a balanced and flavorful plate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Marinated Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Rice?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Rice?

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-Marinated Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Rice 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-Marinated Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Rice?

Latin American 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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