Easy Mexican Style Pork Chops

This content originally appeared here. Republished with permission.

These Mexican style pork chops are juicy, tender, and so easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients! Inspired by the authentic flavors of Mexico, these are a simple and delicious version to create at home.

These Mexican style pork chops are the perfect way to add tons of flavor to all of your family fiestas… or any ordinary weeknight! Marinated in a beautiful Mexican-inspired marinade made with bright citrus juice, rich spices, fresh cilantro, and oil they are always flavorful, juicy and tender.

Like all of my pork chop marinades, this marinade infuses moisture and flavor into the meat, giving you the most delicious chops! Making the perfect pork chops doesn’t have to be difficult, and you don’t have to be a really great cook to make this recipe work.

Just throw together these simple ingredients and marinate the pork! In no time you’ll have Mexican-style pork chops that are mouth wateringly delicious.

This recipe inspired by flavors I love in traditional Mexican recipes, and it’s similar in flavor to my Mexican chicken marinade, but made for pork! Whip it up for dinner tonight and you’ll have a new favorite recipe to add to your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

This marinade makes an easy meal even easier! I love that I can just grab a few basic ingredients and make the most flavorful dinner without a whole lot of effort:

• This Mexican pork chop recipe is so easy to make! You just need five simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Marinades are the easiest meal prep. You can make the marinade ahead of time and store until needed, or let the pork chops marinate for up to 24 hours before you cook them.
• You can use this flavorful meat so many different ways. Pair it with all of your favorite side dishes or even cut up the meat and make tacos. So many ways to serve it!

Ingredients

Before you run to the grocery store, check to see what ingredients you have on hand:

• boneless pork chops: I like to use boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick, but you can use any other kind of pork chops, like thin pork chops or bone-in pork chops. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pork chops.
• taco seasoning: Make your own homemade taco seasoning or use any store-bought blend that you like.
• lime juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of bottled lime juice for a fresher, brighter flavor.
• cilantro: If you don’t like cilantro, you can simply leave it out. It’ll still be delicious!
• olive oil: You can also use avocado oil or another neutral flavored oil in place of the extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.

Substitutions and Variations

For spicy Mexican pork chops, add 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.

This recipe is Low Carb and Whole30 if you use a compatible sugar-free taco seasoning recipe.

Feel free to add extra seasonings along with the taco seasoning that you’re using. Extra chili powder, some black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and salt are all tasty options.

Other fresh herbs like Mexican oregano and parsley would add extra flavor to this Mexican pork chop marinade.

How to Make Mexican Style Pork Chops

Follow these simple instructions to make the juiciest and most flavorful pork chops:

To begin preparing the marinade, mince the fresh cilantro and juice the lime. Then add the oil, taco seasoning, cilantro, and lime juice to a small bowl and use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients together thoroughly.

Pat the pork chops with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and then place them in a shallow glass or ceramic dish or inside a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the pork and turn them so they’re fully coated on all sides.

Cover or seal the container and set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, up to overnight (about 18 hours).

When you’re ready to cook, just heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Set the pork chops in the hot skillet and let them brown on each side for 3-4 minutes.

Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Cook the pork chops over the low heat for 5-6 more minutes, until cooked through.

Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature — if it reaches 145°F (63°C) then they’re done! Allow to rest for a few minutes and then serve.

Other Cooking Methods

This Mexican pork chops recipe works for multiple different cooking methods! Choose whichever method is the best for you and make a delicious meal:

• Oven Baked Pork Chops: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Set the pork chops and marinade in a baking dish. Place the baking dish in the oven uncovered and cook for 20-22 minutes, until cooked through.
• Air Fryer Pork Chops: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Spray or brush the air fryer basket with a little oil, then carefully place the pork chops in the basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 12-14 minutes, stopping halfway to flip the pork chops, until cooked through.
• Instant Pot Pork Chops: Add the pork chops and all the marinade liquid to your Instant pot. Cover and set to High Pressure for 10-12 minutes. If your pork chops are thin cut, set for 8 minutes. Allow for a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the steam release knob and allow the pressure to release any remaining pressure quickly. Carefully remove the pork chops and serve.
• Grilled Pork Chops: Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature of about 375°F (190°C). Allow the excess marinade to drip off of the pieces of pork. Set the chops on a well-oiled grill, and cook for 7-9 minutes per side, until cooked through.

What to Serve with Mexican Style Pork Chops

Serve these incredible pork chops with cauliflower rice, corn salsa, mango pico de gallo, pineapple salsa, pickled onions, tortilla chips, or any of your favorite vegetables. Air fryer brussel sprouts and air fryer roasted carrots would be yummy.

It pairs beautifully with Instant Pot Mexican rice too! For a really simple side, just make some microwave broccoli or roasted air fryer baby potatoes.

You can also slice up the meat and serve on flour or corn tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. A great way to make easy tacos — your taste buds will thank you!

How to Store Leftovers

Allow to cool completely and then transfer leftover Mexican pork chops to an airtight container or freezer safe bag. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for Success

These savory pork chops are really simple, but check out these tips and tricks to ensure that they are tender and juicy every single time:

• Don’t marinate meat in a reactive metal container! The acid from the lime juice will not sit well in a metal container and will ruin your pork chops.
• Allow the chops to rest at least three minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to distribute and helps keep all the moisture locked inside.
• Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chops. Use a meat thermometer to be sure your chops are cooked fully.
• You can freeze the raw pork in the marinade, then defrost it and cook another day! A great way to prep family meals and for later.

FAQ

Why are my pork chops dry and tough?

Next time, don’t let the pork marinate for more than 18 hours, or the marinade will actually begin to work in reverse and make the meat tougher. Also, be sure not to overcook the pork chops. Once the internal temperature reaches 145°F, remove from the heat and allow the chops to rest for at least 3 minutes before cutting.

How long should I marinate pork?

For the best taste, marinate pork chops between 2 and 18 hours, but you can safely marinate pork chops for a maximum of up to 3-5 days, per USDA.

How much marinade do I need for pork chops?

Aim for about 1/3-1/2 cup of marinade per pound of pork chops.

Is it safe to eat pink pork chops?

Pork is a red meat, so it’s normal and safe for pork chops to still be a bit pink inside after cooking, per USDA. As long as the internal temperature is 145°F (63°C), it is totally safe!

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