Colombian-Style Pork Chops with Salsa Criolla

Ingredients

In this Colombian adaptation of the Mexican dish "Chuletas de puerco," we incorporate traditional Colombian spices and flavors to create a unique culinary experience. The original Mexican version often includes ingredients like chili powder and oregano, whereas the Colombian version focuses on cumin, paprika, and garlic for a distinct taste. Additionally, the Mexican version may be served with salsa verde or mole, while the Colombian version pairs the pork chops with salsa criolla for a vibrant and tangy twist. We alse have the original recipe for Chuletas de puerco, so you can check it out.

• 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick) 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Salsa Criolla: For the Salsa Criolla:
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, paprika, minced garlic, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Grill the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the salsa criolla by combining the diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Serve the grilled pork chops with a generous spoonful of salsa criolla on top. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork chops — Choose bone-in pork chops for added flavor and juiciness.
• Cumin — Toasting whole cumin seeds and grinding them fresh will enhance the aroma and flavor.
• Salsa Criolla — For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salsa.

Tips & Tricks

• Marinate the pork chops for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavors.
• Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
• Adjust the level of spiciness in the salsa criolla by adding more or less jalapeño or red pepper flakes.

Serving advice

Serve the Colombian-style pork chops with salsa criolla alongside traditional Colombian sides such as arepas, rice, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled pork chops on a platter and top them with a generous amount of vibrant salsa criolla. Sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro on top for an appealing presentation.