Listed below is an easy Mexican pork chop dinner recipe that utilizes simple ingredients and is written step-by-step. You will find your mouth watering as you cook this savory and authentic Mexican pork chop. The recipe is good for beginners and intermediate cooks that want to prepare a heavy meat dish to compliment a side like yellow rice.
Mexican-style pork chops taste very different from regular pork chops because they are highly seasoned with authentic spices. These unique spices bring a flavorful kick to the meat dish!
Table of Contents
What Are Easy Mexican Pork Chop Dinners?
Pork chops are a type of meat that comes from pigs. This meat comes from a pig's hips or shoulders. The meat is high in fat which makes it easy to cook. However, if you do not cook it properly you could find yourself sick from bacteria that thrive on raw pork.
Mexican-style pork chops are incredibly savory as cooks use various ingredients and seasonings on the pork chop. The best thing about this type of Pork Chop is that you can add salsa on top for an extra kick of heat! It is not uncommon to see Mexican pork chops with green salsa verde drizzled on top!
What You Will Need To Make Mexican Style Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. of Cumin
- 1 tbsp. of Oregano
- 1 tbsp. of Paprika
- 2 tsp. of Sea Salt
- 1 tsp. of Black Pepper
- 1 Cup of Salsa- The brand depends on your taste! While it may sound strange to use a salsa we eat chips with, it enhances the flavor of the pork chop! You can always make your own if you want a fresher taste.
- 8 Boneless Pork Chops
- 1 tbsp. of Olive Oil
- 1 Bunch of Cilantro Chopped
Equipment
- Stovetop
- Spatula
- Cooking Thermometer
- Skillet
- Large Bowl
Step by Step Instructions on How to Make an Easy Mexican Pork Chop Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Meat
In the first step, you should marinate the pork chops. In a large bowl, place the pork chops inside. Make sure that they are defrosted. Poor the seasonings on top as well as the oil. Using your clean hands, massage the seasonings and the oil into each one of the pork chops. Make sure to massage it well so the flavors absorb into the meat.
Place the meat inside your fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes covered.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Vegetables
In the big pan/skillet, you should hear the oil, chopped vegetables, and salsa. Let it simmer on medium to high heat. The white onions, garlic, and green onions should brown during this process. As the smell enters the air, you can get your pork chops ready.
Step 3: Cook the Pork chops in the Skillet
After the oil and mixture are heated up, add the pork chops one at a time. The pork chops will take some time to cook depending on the thickness. However, compared to other meats like Chicken, Pork takes longer to cook appropriately on the inside.
Make sure to keep checking each side of your pork chops. They should be slightly brown, seared, and without any pink. With the spatula, press the meat against the skillet, you should hear a satisfying sizzle sound as you do this. The pork will secrete grease and juices with strong flavors.
It is important to note that the color of the meat, however, is not a good indicator of whether it is well done or good to eat. The only way to know for sure is to use a food thermometer. To check the internal temperature, stick the needle into the middle of the pork chop. If you have a digital one it should read the temperature quickly. The internal temperature needs to be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Create the Side Dishes and Serve
In the last step, you should create side dishes. While you can eat the pork chop alone, it tastes delicious on top of yellow Mexican rice or shredded with a tortilla. Serve the pork chops when you are ready with the side dishes or toppings!
Tips and Tricks on Cooking Mexican Pork Chops
There are a few tips and tricks that you can use to cook a delicious and safe Mexican Pork Chop. The first thing I recommend is to marinate the meat for at least 24 hours! If you can, each time you buy meat, pre-season it and massage the seasonings, and mixes into the meat.
For the meat that you will eat soon, place it in the fridge to cook. If you are not going to cook it soon, place it in the freezer. This will save you time in the future. Defrosting meat is also not hard. You can use hot water to defrost the ice from the plastic gallon-sized bag.
Marinating the meat with time gives the meat an opportunity to soak in the intense flavors. Another trick I have for you is to cook the yellow rice dish at the same time as you are making your pork chops! This saves you time and both can be done at the same time. The rice can be left alone on low heat with a few seasonings and a top.
This can also be done with tortillas! As the pork chops cook, you can warm up yellow corn tortillas to complement the pork chops.
Servings and Preparation Time for this Easy Mexican Pork Chop Dinner Recipe
|
Cook Time |
Preparation Time |
Serving Size |
|
25 Minutes |
10 Minutes |
8 |
All in all, this recipe dives into how to make an authentic Mexican-style pork chop. Although we touched upon a few condiments and toppings in this recipe, remember that you can add whatever you would like! Cooking is a great pastime and hobby that is flexible and versatile.
What do you think about this recipe? Did you learn anything new about cooking an easy Mexican pork chop dinner recipe? If you did, please share your thoughts and questions in the comment section below. If you know a family member interested in cooking delicious Mexican dishes, share this beginner recipe with them!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In the first step, you should marinate the pork chops. In a large bowl, place the pork chops inside. Make sure that they are defrosted. Poor the seasonings on top as well as the oil. Using your clean hands, massage the seasonings and the oil into each one of the pork chops. Make sure to massage it well so the flavors absorb into the meat.
- Place the meat inside your fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes covered.
- In the big pan/skillet, you should hear the oil, chopped vegetables, and salsa. Let it simmer on medium to high heat. The white onions, garlic, and green onions should brown during this process. As the smell enters the air, you can get your pork chops ready.
- After the oil and mixture are heated up, add the pork chops one at a time. The pork chops will take some time to cook depending on the thickness. However, compared to other meats like Chicken, Pork takes longer to cook appropriately on the inside.
- Make sure to keep checking each side of your pork chops. They should be slightly brown, seared, and without any pink. With the spatula, press the meat against the skillet, you should hear a satisfying sizzle sound as you do this. The pork will secrete grease and juices with strong flavors.
- It is important to note that the color of the meat, however, is not a good indicator of whether it is well done or good to eat. The only way to know for sure is to use a food thermometer. To check the internal temperature, stick the needle into the middle of the pork chop. If you have a digital one it should read the temperature quickly. The internal temperature needs to be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In the last step, you should create side dishes. While you can eat the pork chop alone, it tastes delicious on top of yellow Mexican rice or shredded with a tortilla. Serve the pork chops when you are ready with the side dishes or toppings!
