Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Citrus Mojo Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared pork chops finished with a vibrant Cuban-style citrus mojo sauce made from fresh orange and lime juices. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground cumin.
  2. 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 a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside to rest. Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic. Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the mojo sauce over them to coat.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve pork chops drizzled with the citrus mojo sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Citrus Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pork Chops with Citrus Mojo Sauce?

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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Citrus Mojo Sauce?

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 Pork Chops with Citrus Mojo Sauce 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 Pork Chops with Citrus Mojo Sauce?

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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