Smoky BBQ Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy pork chops glazed with a tangy cilantro-lime sauce, grilled to a caramelized finish for a bold, flavorful meal. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 45 minutes pairs (1-in thick) pork chops, brown sugar, cumin 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.

★ 3.7 (15 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tbsp cider vinegar, 1 tbsp cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 4 lbs pork chops and mix well, ensuring even coating. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
  3. Step 3: Place pork on the pan and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden. Brush with remaining glaze and continue grilling for 5-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky BBQ Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Smoky BBQ Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime 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 (1-in thick) pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky BBQ Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime 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 Smoky BBQ Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime 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 Smoky BBQ Pork Chops with Cilantro Lime Glaze?

Latin American grilling 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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