Oaxacan Chile-Grilled Pork & Corn
Chile-rubbed pork chops meet smoky grilled corn and a juicy heirloom-tomato salsa in this quick Oaxacan-inspired dinner showcasing July produce in Washington.
Ingredients
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Boneless Pork Loin Chop2 chops, about 12 ounces total $6.21
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Bi-color Corn2 ears, husked $0.79
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Heirloom Tomato1 medium, diced $4.99
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Red Onion1/4 small, finely diced $1.99
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Green Jalapeno Pepper1, seeded and minced $2.99
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Cilantro Bunch1/4 cup chopped leaves and tender stems $1.19
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Lime1, halved $0.69
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Organic Garlic1 clove, finely grated $2.89
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Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Ground ancho chile1 1/2 teaspoons
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Dried Mexican oregano1/2 teaspoon
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste
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Black pepper1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F. Dice the tomato and onion, seed and mince the jalapeño, chop the cilantro, and pat the pork chops dry.
- Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with the garlic, ancho chile, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over both sides of the pork chops; brush the corn lightly with the remaining oil.
- Grill the corn, turning every few minutes, until tender and charred in spots, 10–12 minutes. During the final 6–10 minutes, grill the pork until well marked and its center reaches 145°F, flipping once.
- Transfer the pork to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes. Grill the lime halves cut-side down for 1–2 minutes, until lightly charred.
- Cut the kernels from the corn and toss them with the tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, juice from the grilled lime, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Slice the pork across the grain and plate it beside the warm charred-corn and heirloom-tomato salsa, spooning any resting juices over the meat.
Total time: 40 minutes
Estimated cost: Approximately $11–$14 for 2 servings
Health notes: About 500 calories per serving, with roughly 43 grams of protein plus fiber and vitamin C from the fresh vegetables.
Drink pairing: A chilled dry rosé refreshes the palate between bites of smoky pork, sweet corn, and mild chile.