Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Dominican Mojo Sauce
Juicy pan-seared pork chops served with a bright and tangy Dominican mojo sauce made from citrus, garlic, and herbs. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pieces (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground cumin.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
- Step 3: Remove pork chops and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add 6 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mojo sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return pork chops to the pan and spoon the mojo sauce over them, cooking for another 2 minutes to infuse flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Dominican Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Dominican Mojo Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Dominican 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 Dominican 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 Dominican Mojo Sauce?
Caribbean 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.