Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure - where tender, perfectly seared pork chops meet a vibrant, zesty mango salsa that bursts with tropical flavors! This Mexican-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a sensory experience that combines the rich, savory goodness of juicy pork with the sweet and tangy punch of fresh mango. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, these Pork Chops with Mango Salsa are about to become your new go-to recipe that promises to elevate your cooking game and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, minced red onion, finely chopped jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Mix gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is almost smoking.
- Carefully place pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures tender meat.
- Plate the pork chops and generously top with the fresh mango salsa.
- Garnish with additional lime wedges and chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to remove moisture from pork chops, which helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to maintain juiciness and ensure food safety.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use a ripe, sweet mango and fresh lime juice for the most vibrant salsa flavor.
- Let Meat Rest: Always allow your pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and keep the meat tender.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat of your salsa by removing jalapeño seeds for a milder version or adding more for extra kick.
- Serve Immediately: The contrast between hot pork chops and cool, fresh salsa is what makes this dish truly spectacular!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
