Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tamarind-Guava Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared pork chops glazed with a tangy tamarind and guava sauce inspired by Central American flavors. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, tamarind paste, chopped guava paste 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove chops and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 oz chopped guava paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness.
  6. Step 6: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the tamarind-guava glaze over them. Let rest for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tamarind-Guava Glaze 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 Tamarind-Guava Glaze?

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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tamarind-Guava Glaze?

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 Tamarind-Guava Glaze 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 Tamarind-Guava Glaze?

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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