Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that will have your taste buds dancing! 🌶️ Our Pork Chops in Rice Salsa is not just another weeknight meal - it's a flavor explosion that combines perfectly seared pork chops with a zesty, vibrant rice salsa that'll make you forget all about boring dinner options. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1 cup of rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. When the skillet is ready, place the pork chops in the pan.
- Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the cumin to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Next, add the rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat the rice with the onion, bell pepper, and cumin mixture.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice) and stir to combine. Add 2 cups of water or broth to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before slicing them.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, place a generous portion of the rice salsa on each plate, top with sliced pork chops, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy your delicious Pork Chops in Rice Salsa!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Searing Secrets: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding pork chops to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
- Rice Technique: Toasting the rice with onions, bell peppers, and cumin before adding liquid helps develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Liquid Ratio: When cooking rice, the standard ratio is 2 cups of liquid per 1 cup of rice. This ensures perfectly tender, fluffy rice.
- Resting Matters: Let your pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Cilantro Pro Tip: Add fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
