Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Poblano and Tomato Salsa

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared to a golden crust served with a smoky roasted poblano and fresh tomato salsa that balances heat and brightness. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, medium poblano peppers, medium roma tomatoes 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 380 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place 2 poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, turning once until skins are blistered and charred. Remove and place in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. Peel off skins, remove seeds, and chop finely.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, dice 3 roma tomatoes and combine in a bowl with the chopped roasted poblano, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Season salsa with 1/2 tsp salt and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and let rest 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
  6. Step 6: Serve pork chops topped with the roasted poblano and tomato salsa alongside the garlicky pan juices.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Poblano and Tomato Salsa 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 Roasted Poblano and Tomato Salsa?

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 Roasted Poblano and Tomato 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Poblano and Tomato 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Poblano and Tomato Salsa?

Mexican 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.

Related recipes