Grilled Mofongo-Stuffed Pork Chops

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

Juicy pork chops stuffed with traditional Puerto Rican mofongo, grilled to perfection for a savory and hearty meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes pairs green plantains, garlic cloves, olive oil 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 3 sliced green plantains. Cook for 15 minutes until tender, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Mash the cooked plantains with the garlic, 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 4 crumbled cooked bacon strips until combined but still slightly chunky.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Season 4 pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cut a pocket in each pork chop about 3 inches long and stuff with the mofongo mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
  6. Step 6: Brush the pork chops with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the exterior is nicely charred.
  7. Step 7: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mofongo-Stuffed Pork Chops take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Mofongo-Stuffed 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 green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mofongo-Stuffed 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 Mofongo-Stuffed 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 Mofongo-Stuffed Pork Chops?

Caribbean 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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