Grilled Regional Spiced Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze

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

Tender pork chops marinated in a regional blend of spices and finished with a bright citrus glaze on the grill. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick, about 6 oz each), coating both sides; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and oil the grates.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the exterior is nicely charred.
  5. Step 5: While the pork cooks, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional) in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pork chops from the grill, brush with the citrus glaze, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the pork chops before serving.

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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 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 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 olive oil 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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