Craving a delicious and authentic Puerto Rican meal? Look no further! This recipe for juicy, flavorful Puerto Rican pork chops is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a burst of vibrant Caribbean flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the island. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sofrito (store-bought or homemade – see tip below!)
- 2 tablespoons adobo seasoning (Puerto Rican style is best, but regular works too!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- White rice and tostones (optional, but highly recommended sides!)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and adobo seasoning on both sides.
Sauté the aromatics:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer to perfection:
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Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, sofrito, oregano, and cumin to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Serve and enjoy!
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with white rice and tostones for a truly authentic Puerto Rican experience.
Cooking Tips:
- Sofrito Magic: Sofrito is the heart and soul of many Puerto Rican dishes. If you can't find it pre-made, it's easy to make your own by finely chopping onions, garlic, cilantro, peppers, and aji dulce (a mild sweet pepper). This adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops provide richer flavor and stay more moist during cooking. If you prefer boneless, adjust the cooking time accordingly – they will cook faster.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure there's enough space in the skillet for the pork chops to brown evenly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of adobo seasoning, oregano, and cumin to your preference.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some extra heat.
- Citrus Burst: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the pork chops before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
- Slow Cooker Option: For an even easier meal, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the pork chops first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until tender.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy this delicious and easy Puerto Rican Pork Chops recipe! It's a perfect example of healthy meals that are also quick dinner ideas. The recipe is a testament to the joy of homemade cooking, bringing delicious dishes to your table with minimal effort. It’s truly one of the best recipes you’ll find for easy and flavorful meals.