Grilled Regional-Spiced Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze

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

Thick pork chops marinated in a regional spice blend and finished on the grill with a tangy citrus glaze for a smoky, vibrant finish. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 52 minutes pairs (1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the regional spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick). Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chops and massage the spices into the meat. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice and 2 tbsp honey in a small bowl to make the citrus glaze.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place pork chops on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side, brushing with the citrus glaze during the last 2 minutes of grilling on each side, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork chops from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with remaining citrus glaze drizzled over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Regional-Spiced Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze?

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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Regional-Spiced Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze?

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 Regional-Spiced Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze 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 Regional-Spiced Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze?

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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