Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tangy Curtido Slaw

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

Juicy pan-seared pork chops served alongside a bright and tangy Salvadoran curtido slaw that adds a refreshing crunch. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 32 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until deeply golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While pork rests, combine 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage, 1 shredded medium carrot, and 1/2 thinly sliced white onion in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup water, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp salt until dissolved.
  5. Step 5: Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage mixture and toss well. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to develop bright, tangy flavors that balance the richness of the pork.
  6. Step 6: Serve pork chops alongside a generous portion of curtido slaw for a classic Salvadoran-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Tangy Curtido Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Tangy Curtido Slaw?

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 Tangy Curtido Slaw?

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 Tangy Curtido Slaw 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 Tangy Curtido Slaw?

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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