Chuletas de Puerco (Cuban Fried Pork Chops)

Easy to make and versatile, Chuletas de Puerco are a juicy, savory, and satisfying dinner for any day of the week. These Cuban pork chops are marinated with sour orange juice, mashed garlic, onions, and spices then pan-fried (or grilled) to perfection. This dish is typically served with a classic side of Cuban black beans and rice, sweet plantains, or a simple avocado salad with onions.

📝 Ingredients

• 6 bone-in center-cut pork chops (about 3/4-inch thick (approx. 3 lbs))
• 1 cup sour orange juice ((naranja agria))
• 1/4 cup neutral oil
• 8 cloves garlic (mashed to a paste)
• 1/2 medium white onion (thinly sliced half moons)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Sweet Plantains
• Avocado Onion Salad ((recipe in notes))
• Lime wedges

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, stir together the sour orange juice, neutral oil, mashed garlic paste, onions, oregano, cumin, and salt.
2. 2Add the pork chops to a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
3. 3Preheat a grill, grill pan, or cast iron skillet to medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel. Discard the marinade.
4. 4Pan fry the pork chops for 5 minutes on each side until cooked through and browned on all sides. The internal temp should be 145ºF. Serve immediately. Enjoy!