Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Guatemalan Tomato and Chili Sauce
Juicy pork chops pan-seared and topped with a bright, mildly spicy Guatemalan tomato and chili sauce that complements the rich meat beautifully. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, medium roma tomatoes, chopped, medium red bell pepper, chopped 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 360 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 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 3 medium roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, stems removed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast 2 dried guajillo chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened. Drain and blend with 3 chopped roma tomatoes, 1 chopped red bell pepper, 1 small chopped white onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the chili-tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened and aromatic. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 4: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Spoon the warm chili-tomato sauce over the pork chops, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and drizzle with 1 tbsp lime juice.
- Step 7: Serve immediately with rice or vegetables of choice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Guatemalan Tomato and Chili Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Guatemalan Tomato and Chili 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 Guatemalan Tomato and Chili 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 Guatemalan Tomato and Chili 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 Guatemalan Tomato and Chili 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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