Zesty Chili-Spiced Pork Chops with Lemon Green Beans
Discover the perfect balance of spicy and sweet with these Zesty Chili-Spiced Pork Chops. This flavorful dish features tender, lean boneless pork chops rubbed with a delightful blend of chili powder, brown sugar, and cumin, then broiled to perfection. Served alongside vibrant steamed green beans drizzled with fresh lemon juice, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal that's packed with protein and flavor. Quick to prepare and bursting with taste, it's an excellent option for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili Powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon, unpacked (none)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Lean Boneless Pork Chops
20 ounces, four 1/2 inch thick chops (trimmed)
Green Beans
1 lb (steamed)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler and prepare a broiler pan by coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce until a thick paste forms.
3
Rub the spice paste generously onto both sides of each pork chop, ensuring they are fully coated.
4
Place the seasoned pork chops onto the prepared broiler pan. Broil for about 4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the meat is no longer pink in the center.
5
While the pork chops are cooking, steam the green beans until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
6
Once cooked, remove the green beans from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice for an added burst of flavor.
7
Serve the spicy pork chops alongside the lemony green beans for a delightful and healthy meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Chili-Spiced Pork Chops?
They are a flavorful dish featuring lean boneless pork chops rubbed with a blend of chili powder, brown sugar, and cumin, served with lemon-drizzled green beans.
What ingredients are in the pork rub?
The rub is made from chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
How thick should the pork chops be?
The recipe calls for four pork chops that are approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the pork?
The pork chops should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
How long do I need to broil the pork chops?
Broil the pork chops for about 4 minutes on each side.
How do I prevent the pork from sticking to the broiler pan?
Coat the broiler pan with cooking spray before placing the pork chops on it.
How long should I steam the green beans?
Steam the green beans for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach the target internal temperature.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it uses lean pork and steamed vegetables, making it a high-protein, balanced meal.
What is the purpose of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
It acts as a liquid binder to turn the dry spices into a thick paste that adheres to the meat.
Can I substitute the brown sugar?
You can use honey or a brown sugar substitute, though the texture of the spice paste may vary.
What if I don't have a broiler?
You can grill the pork chops or pan-sear them over medium-high heat until they reach 145°F.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
It depends on your Worcestershire sauce; check the label as some brands contain gluten-based ingredients.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice will provide a similar citrusy brightness to the steamed green beans.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is portioned to serve 4 people.
Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder?
Yes, but be mindful of the added salt and consider reducing other salty components.
How do I make the green beans zesty?
The zestiness comes from drizzling fresh lemon juice over the beans after steaming.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, though fresh green beans offer a better texture. Adjust the steaming time as needed.
What should I do if the spice paste is too thick?
You can add a few more drops of Worcestershire sauce to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use this rub on other types of meat?
Absolutely, this chili rub works very well on chicken breasts or even steak.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the chili powder, which is balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the pork and beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I make the spice mix in advance?
Yes, you can mix the dry spices ahead of time and store them in a jar.
What other sides go well with this dish?
Roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or a simple green salad would be excellent additions.
Why is it important to trim the pork chops?
Trimming helps keep the meal lean and prevents excessive smoke or flare-ups while broiling.
Can I use canned green beans?
You can, but the texture will be much softer than the recommended steamed fresh beans.
How do I know the pork is done without a thermometer?
The pork should no longer be pink in the center, though a thermometer is the only way to be certain.
Should the pork be covered while broiling?
No, keep the pork uncovered so the spice rub can caramelize under the direct heat.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, just double all the ingredients and cook the pork chops in batches if your pan is too small.
What are the benefits of steaming the vegetables?
Steaming preserves more nutrients and maintains a vibrant color and crisp texture compared to boiling.