Zesty Cuban-Style Pork Chops
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Havana with these Zesty Cuban-Style Pork Chops. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines aromatic garlic, tangy lime juice, and earthy cumin to create juicy pork chops that will impress your family or guests. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, these chops are lightly seared for a golden brown exterior and then simmered to perfection in a luscious sauce. Serve them alongside fluffy rice and your favorite vegetables to complete this delicious and satisfying meal.
4
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
pork chops
4
olive oil
2 tablespoons
fresh lime juice
1/3 cup
water
1/4 cup
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Lightly season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork chops and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
3
Once browned, add the crushed garlic to the skillet, followed by the fresh lime juice and water. Stir gently to combine.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, turning the chops occasionally, until cooked through and the juices have thickened to a syrupy consistency.
5
Remove from heat, spoon the pan sauce over the pork chops, and sprinkle with ground cumin and fresh black pepper.
6
Serve immediately with a side of fluffy rice and your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
3g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is pork chops.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary flavor profiles of the Zesty Cuban-Style Pork Chops?
The flavors are characterized by aromatic garlic, tangy lime juice, and earthy cumin.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the skillet.
How long should I sear the pork chops on each side?
The pork chops should be browned for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What liquids are used to make the pan sauce?
The sauce is made using fresh lime juice and water.
How long do the pork chops need to simmer?
They should simmer for 6-8 minutes once the heat is reduced and the skillet is covered.
Should the skillet be covered during the simmering process?
Yes, you should cover the skillet for the final 6-8 minutes of cooking.
When is the ground cumin added to the dish?
Ground cumin is sprinkled over the pork chops after they are removed from the heat.
What are the recommended side dishes for this meal?
It is best served with fluffy rice and your choice of vegetables.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal ideal for weeknights.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 23 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving of these pork chops?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies fresh lime juice for the best flavor, bottled can be used as a substitute.
What consistency should the pan sauce reach?
The juices should thicken to a syrupy consistency during the simmering process.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
How do I know when the pork chops are finished cooking?
They are done when they are cooked through and the juices have reached a syrupy consistency.
Should I season the meat before it goes into the pan?
Yes, lightly season the pork chops with salt and pepper before browning.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a flavorful meal that will impress guests at a weekend get-together.
What gives the dish its earthy flavor?
The addition of ground cumin provides the earthy flavor profile.
What should I do with the sauce remaining in the pan?
Spoon the pan sauce over the pork chops immediately before serving.
Does this recipe contain any sugar or fiber?
According to the nutritional data, there is no sugar or fiber recorded for this recipe.
What size skillet should be used?
A large skillet is recommended to ensure there is enough room to brown the chops.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the vibrant streets of Havana, Cuba.