Cuban-Style Grilled Chops

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 4 hours
Servings: 4

FOR ROASTS, CHOPS and TENDERLOINS

Cook to 145 F with 3 minute rest

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Ingredients

4 8-ounce New York (top loin) pork chops, 1 to 1 1/4-inch thick
2/3 cup fresh orange juice, (about 2 oranges)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup canola oil, OR extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice, (about 2 limes)
4 cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cooking Directions

Place pork in large, resealable plastic bag. Mix together orange juice, onion, oil, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin and salt in small bowl. Set aside 1/3 cup of the juice marinade. Pour remaining marinade over pork; close bag to seal. Turn bag to evenly coat pork with marinade. Refrigerate for 2-6 hours, turning bag occasionally.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in grill. Remove pork from marinade; discard marinade in bag. Grill chops, uncovered, over direct heat for 12-16 minutes or until internal temperature of pork reaches 145 degrees F., turning chops over halfway during grilling and brushing occasionally with reserved marinade. Transfer chops to cutting board. Loosely cover with foil; let rest for 5 minutes.

Serves 4

Serving Suggestions

Thick, juicy chops infused with a mixture of fresh citrus juices and spices create a delicious main event for a summertime cookout.

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About the Cut: Chop

Pork chops are the most popular cut from the pork loin, which is the strip of meat that runs from the pig’s hip to shoulder. Depending on where they originate, pork chops can be found under a variety of names, including loin, rib, sirloin, top loin and blade chops.

About the Cooking Method: Grilling

There are two ways to grill pork based on the size of the cut:

Direct heat, where food is placed directly over the heat source, is ideal for small cuts like kabobs, tenderloin, burgers and chops.
Indirect heat, where food is placed on the grill rack away from the coals or gas burners, is good for large cuts like loin roasts, ribs, shoulder and fresh ham.

COOKING BASICS:
Direct Heat

Arrange hot coals evenly on the fire grate of the grill or use all gas burners. Place pork directly above the heat source. Follow suggested cooking times, turning once during cooking.

Indirect Heat

Bank hot coals on both sides of the fire grate, on one side of the grill or in a ring around the perimeter. For gas grills, pre-heat and then turn off any burners directly below where the food will go. Place pork on the grill so it is not directly over any coals or gas burners and close grill hood. Follow suggested cooking times until pork is done. The heat circulates inside the grill, so turning the pork is not necessary.

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Tips and Tricks

Buying, Handling & Storage Tips

The best way to defrost pork is in the refrigerator in its wrapping. Defrosting a 1 inch chop will take 12-14 hours.

See more tips

Butcher's Tips

It’s important to note that all pork chops cook the same. The length of cooking primarily depends on the thickness of the chop. Thickness can vary from ½ to 2 inches. Whether you choose chops boneless for convenience or chops with the bone attached for their attractive appearance, the cooking time is the same. Pork chops are likely the least intimidating of all pork cuts because they are so easy to prepare.