Get ready to fall in love with these zesty, tender Cuban Mojo Pork Chops! This recipe brings authentic Cuban flavors right to your kitchen with a bright citrus marinade that transforms ordinary pork chops into something absolutely extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for pork chop recipes for dinner or easy pork chop recipes that impress, this is your new go-to dish!
Why You’ll Love This Cuban Mojo Pork Chops Recipe
These pork chops are incredibly juicy with a perfect balance of tangy citrus and aromatic garlic. The mojo marinade creates a beautiful caramelized crust while keeping the meat tender and flavorful inside.
You’ll love how quickly this comes together! Unlike pork chop recipes slow cooker style that take hours, these are ready in just 30 minutes. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with bold Cuban flavor. Plus, they work beautifully whether you prefer pork chop recipes grilled, pork chop recipes skillet, or even pork chop recipes baked!
Cuban Mojo Pork Chops Ingredients
For the Mojo Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Cuban Mojo Pork Chops
- Prepare the marinade: Whisk together orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate the pork: Place pork chops in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour marinade over them, ensuring they’re fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Heat your cooking surface: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat or prepare your grill to medium-high.
- Cook the pork chops: Remove chops from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Rest and serve: Let chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Tips for the Best Cuban Mojo Pork Chops
Don’t skip the marinating time! Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Pork chops are perfect at 145°F and will be slightly pink in the center, which is completely safe and incredibly juicy.
Let your pork chops come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Save some marinade before adding the raw pork! Boil it for 3 minutes and use it as a finishing sauce for extra flavor.
For pork chop recipes boneless, reduce cooking time by about 1 minute per side since they cook faster than bone-in cuts.
Cuban Mojo Pork Chops Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these delicious twists!
Blue Apron Pork Chop Style: Add a tablespoon of honey to your mojo marinade for a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed greens for a restaurant-quality meal.
Slow Cooker Version: For pork chop recipes crock pot style, sear chops first, then cook on low for 4 hours with the mojo marinade. They’ll be fall-apart tender!
Air Fryer Method: These work wonderfully as pork chop recipes air fryer! Cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through for a crispy exterior.
Instant Pot Quick Version: Try pork chop recipes instant pot by pressure cooking for 8 minutes with natural release. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Healthy Twist: Make these pork chop recipes healthy by using center-cut lean chops and serving with cauliflower rice and black beans.
What to Serve with Cuban Mojo Pork Chops
These flavorful chops pair beautifully with classic Cuban sides!
Serve them over fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice to soak up that delicious mojo sauce. Black beans and fried plantains make authentic accompaniments.
A simple mixed green salad with avocado and citrus dressing keeps things light and fresh. Roasted yuca or sweet potato fries add a satisfying crunch.
For a complete Cuban feast, add some tostones and a side of mojo sauce for dipping!
Cuban Mojo Pork Chops FAQs
Can a diabetic eat pork chops? Yes! Pork chops are an excellent protein choice for diabetics. They have zero carbohydrates and provide high-quality protein that helps stabilize blood sugar. Choose lean cuts and pair with non-starchy vegetables for a diabetes-friendly meal. The mojo marinade adds flavor without excess sugar.
Can I make this with thick-cut pork chops? Absolutely! For thicker chops, use pork chop recipes in oven method. Sear them in a skillet first, then finish in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until they reach 145°F internally.
How do I store leftovers? Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra marinade to keep them moist.
Final Thoughts on Cuban Mojo Pork Chops
These Cuban Mojo Pork Chops are proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor! Whether you’re exploring different pork chop recipes or just want a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.
The bright citrus marinade, tender meat, and versatile cooking methods make this a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So grab those pork chops and let’s bring some Cuban sunshine to your dinner table tonight!
Cuban Mojo Pork Chops
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Remove pork chops from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking. Reserve the marinade.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Pour reserved marinade into the skillet, bring to a boil, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with mojo sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.