Chili-Lime Pork with Grilled Corn Salsa

Chili-lime pork and smoky grilled corn become a bright, practical Mexican dinner featuring peak-summer Washington produce.

Ingredients

  • Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Loin Boneless
    1 lb $1.99
  • Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob-Each
    2 ears $0.75
  • Zucchini
    8 oz $1.29
  • Private Selection® Walla Walla Sweet Onions
    1/2 small onion $3.99
  • Fresh Jalapeno Peppers
    1 pepper $1.99
  • Fresh Organic Limes
    1 lime $1.29
  • Organic Cilantro
    1/4 bunch $1.69
  • Garlic
    1 clove $0.79
  • Olive oil
    1 tablespoon
  • Chili powder
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 teaspoon, divided
  • Black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Heat a grill to medium-high. Shuck the corn; halve the zucchini lengthwise; cut the onion into thick wedges; mince the garlic; chop the cilantro; and halve the lime.
  2. Cut the pork loin crosswise into 2 equal thick steaks and pat dry. Rub with 2 teaspoons olive oil, the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; let stand for 10 minutes.
  3. Finely chop the jalapeño, removing its seeds for milder heat. Mix it with the cilantro, juice from half the lime, the remaining teaspoon of oil, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Grill the corn, zucchini, and onion for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred; transfer them to a cutting board.
  5. Grill the pork for 4–6 minutes per side, or until its thickest part reaches 145°F. Transfer to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Cut the kernels from the corn, chop the zucchini and onion, and toss them with the jalapeño-lime mixture. Taste and add more lime juice if desired.
  7. Slice the pork across the grain and plate it beside the warm grilled-corn salsa, spooning any resting juices over the meat.

Total time: 45 minutes

Estimated cost: $8–$11 for 2 servings

Health notes: Approximately 570 calories per serving, with about 55 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 22 grams of fat.

Drink pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or cold Mexican lager balances the smoky pork, sweet corn, and jalapeño heat.