Guava-Spiced Pork Chops with Mango Salsa

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

Tangy guava glaze meets sweet-tart mango salsa in this juicy pork chop dish that balances smoky and tropical flavors. This puerto rican-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs pork chops, guava paste, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season pork chops with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup guava paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp soy sauce.
  2. Step 2: Brush glaze onto both sides of pork chops. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, dice 2 ripe mangoes and 1/2 cup red onion. Toss with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Let pork rest 5 minutes before serving. Top with vibrant mango salsa and a drizzle of extra guava glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Guava-Spiced Pork Chops with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Guava-Spiced Pork Chops with Mango Salsa?

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 pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Guava-Spiced Pork Chops with 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 Guava-Spiced Pork Chops with 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 Guava-Spiced Pork Chops with Mango Salsa?

Puerto Rican 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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