Pan-Seared Peruvian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri
Tender pork chops seared to golden perfection and served with a zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce inspired by Peruvian flavors. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for chimichurri)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, finely chop 1/2 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. In a bowl, whisk together the herbs with 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1 tbsp lime juice until emulsified.
- Step 4: Serve pork chops topped with the fresh chimichurri sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Peruvian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Peruvian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Peruvian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri?
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 Pan-Seared Peruvian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri 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 Pan-Seared Peruvian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri?
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.