Grilled Regional Spiced Pork Chops with Citrus Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

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.

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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