Grilled Citrus-Spiced Pork Chops

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

Juicy pork chops marinated in a bright and zesty citrus-spice blend, grilled over medium-high heat to develop a caramelized crust and tender interior. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, orange juice, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in pork chops (about 6 oz each) in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork chops from the marinade and shake off excess.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and have a nice charred crust.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Spiced Pork Chops take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Spiced Pork Chops?

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-Spiced Pork Chops?

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-Spiced Pork Chops 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-Spiced Pork Chops?

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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