Easy seasoned pork chops

Published: Sep 18, 2020 · Updated: Sep 18, 2020 by Mely Martínez

This post is sponsored by the National Pork Board.

This easy seasoning for pork chops will take the classic cut of meat to the next level! This recipe is made with ingredients that many of you already have in your pantry, and it’s a great way to try exciting new flavors without leaving your house.

This mixture I use on the pork chops reminds me of the seasonings sold in the Yucatan region of Mexico, where pork dishes are very common. And believe me, the flavors of this pork will transport you there: no travel needed

Easy seasoned pork chops

I love the versatility of cooking with different cuts of pork, and I always have a package of pork chops in our freezer. They are really convenient, as they are only a few minutes of grilling away from making a delicious meal, and I also like that they are a relatively lean cut of meat, too. Because of this, pork is a great option to use if you want to try new flavors and cuisines at home.

Another thing I like about pork cuts is that they take the flavor of rubs and marinades very well, making them a blank canvas for whatever type of dish you want to make.

What Temperature should I cook pork chops at?

It is important to properly cook pork to the correct temperature. If you can invest in a digital meat thermometer, it will make it much easier for you when you cook pork. It will eliminate any guesswork, especially since the thickness of the pork chops can vary depending on where you buy them. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop (making sure it doesn’t touch the bone), and the thermometer should read 145ºF degrees when the meat is cooked.

If you don’t have a thermometer, I have added the cooking time in the instructions below for ¾-inch-thick pork chops (remember that the thickness may vary).

How to cook seasoned pork chops

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INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In case the pork chops have any excess moisture, use a paper towel to pat them dry. Place the pork chops in a large glass dish.
2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, cumin, onion and garlic powders, and the Mexican oregano. Gently crumble the oregano with your fingers before adding it to the bowl.
3. Add the lime juice to the bowl and stir well. Pour this mixture over the pork chops and make sure it covers them all over. Set these aside while you heat the grill or grilling pan.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large stove-top grilling pan at medium-high heat. This will take about 1-2 minutes. Once it is hot, place the pork chops in the pan and cook for 6 minutes. After this time, flip the pork chops and continue cooking them. Cook the pork chops for 4 minutes if you like your meat with a little bit of pink, or 6 minutes if you like the meat well cooked. Once cooked (to an internal temperature of 145ºF), serve the pork chops immediately, otherwise, they will continue to cook with the heat from the pan.

Serve the pork chops with a side of beans, rice, and a fresh salsa. I hope you enjoy this quick recipe for Seasoned Pork Chops.

TIPS:

• If you want to enhance the flavors of this dish, you can let the pork chops marinate in the spice mix for at least a couple of hours in the fridge before cooking.
• This same seasoning mixture can be used for other cuts of pork.
• In case you live in an area where you can find bitter orange (Seville orange), you can use 2 tablespoons of their juice instead of the lime juice. This is my preferred way of making this seasoning, as it gives the meat a hint of sweetness on top of all the spices.

Other delicious recipes with pork

Pork in chile colorado

Pork in salsa verde

Al pastor tacos

Pork carnitas

Pork pibil style