Grilled Mojo-Marinated Pork Chops with Tropical Mango Salsa
Juicy pork chops marinated in a citrusy mojo sauce, grilled to perfection and topped with fresh, vibrant mango salsa. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, orange juice, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp jalapeño, seeded and minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 bone-in pork chops in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork chops from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and chops have nice grill marks.
- Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup minced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tsp minced jalapeño in a bowl. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 5: Serve grilled pork chops topped with a generous spoonful of the fresh tropical mango salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Mojo-Marinated Pork Chops with Tropical Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Mojo-Marinated Pork Chops with Tropical Mango Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mojo-Marinated Pork Chops with Tropical Mango Salsa?
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 Mojo-Marinated Pork Chops with Tropical Mango Salsa 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 Mojo-Marinated Pork Chops with Tropical Mango Salsa?
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.