Chile-Crusted Pork Chops with Grilled Corn
Smoky chile-cumin pork chops develop a deeply browned crust on the grill, while sweet summer corn and juicy heirloom tomato salsa make every plate bright and abundant.
Ingredients
-
Boneless Pork Loin Chop12 ounces, preferably 2 chops about 1 inch thick $6.21
-
Bi-color Corn2 ears $0.79
-
Organic Heirloom Tomatoes8 ounces $4.43
-
Red Onion1/4 cup finely diced $1.99
-
Green Jalapeno Pepper1 small, finely chopped $2.99
-
Cilantro Bunch1/4 cup chopped leaves and tender stems $1.19
-
Lime1, zest and juice separated $0.69
-
Olive oil2 tablespoons
-
Chili powder1 1/2 teaspoons
-
Ground cumin1 teaspoon
-
Kosher salt1 3/4 teaspoons
-
Ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F. Shuck 2 ears Bi-color Corn; dice 8 ounces Organic Heirloom Tomatoes and 1/4 cup Red Onion; finely chop 1 small Green Jalapeno Pepper and 1/4 cup cilantro; then zest and juice 1 lime separately.
- Pat 12 ounces Boneless Pork Loin Chop very dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and the zest of 1 lime; let stand for 10 minutes while the grill finishes heating.
- Combine 8 ounces diced Organic Heirloom Tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced Red Onion, 1 small chopped Green Jalapeno Pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and the juice of 1 lime; set the salsa aside.
- Rub 2 ears shucked Bi-color Corn with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Place the 2 ears corn on the grill; after 2 minutes, turn the 2 ears corn and add the 12 ounces seasoned Boneless Pork Loin Chop. Continue grilling the 2 ears corn for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, while grilling the 12 ounces pork for 4–5 minutes per side, until the corn is charred and the pork reaches 145°F.
- Transfer the 12 ounces grilled Boneless Pork Loin Chop and 2 ears grilled Bi-color Corn to a platter; rest both for 5 minutes so the pork stays juicy and the corn remains warm.
- Divide the 12 ounces rested Boneless Pork Loin Chop and 2 ears grilled Bi-color Corn between two plates, then spoon 1/2 of the prepared heirloom tomato salsa over each serving of pork.
Total time: 35 minutes
Estimated cost: $10–$13
Health notes: About 520 calories per serving, with roughly 40 grams of protein and fiber from the corn, tomatoes, and aromatics.
Drink pairing: A cold Mexican lager refreshes alongside the smoky chile and jalapeño, while dry Riesling makes a lively wine pairing.