Chile-Lime Pork with Charred Corn Salsa

Juicy grilled chile-lime pork chops meet a bright, smoky salsa of peak-summer Washington corn, heirloom tomato, jalapeño, and cilantro.

Ingredients

  • Boneless Pork Loin Chop
    2 chops, about 12 ounces total $6.21
  • Bi-color Corn
    2 ears, husks removed $0.79
  • Organic Heirloom Tomatoes
    1 medium tomato, diced $4.43
  • Green Jalapeno Pepper
    1 small pepper, seeded if desired and minced $2.99
  • Cilantro Bunch
    1/4 cup chopped leaves and tender stems $1.19
  • Lime
    1 $0.69
  • Organic Garlic
    1 clove, finely grated $2.89
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    1 1/2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Heat a grill to medium-high. Dice the tomato, mince the jalapeño, chop the cilantro, grate the garlic, and zest and juice the lime.
  2. Mix the garlic, lime zest, cumin, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over the pork chops and let them stand for 10 minutes while the grill heats.
  3. Brush the corn with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil. Grill the corn and pork over direct heat, turning both occasionally; cook the corn until charred and tender, 8 to 10 minutes, and the pork until it reaches 145°F, about 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
  4. Transfer the pork to a clean plate, loosely cover, and rest for 5 minutes. Let the corn cool just enough to handle.
  5. Cut the kernels from the cobs and toss them with the tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; taste and adjust the seasoning.
  6. Plate the pork chops and spoon the charred corn salsa alongside and partially over the meat; finish with any remaining cilantro.

Total time: 35 minutes

Estimated cost: About $13–$16 for 2 servings

Health notes: Approximately 490 calories per serving, with about 40 grams of protein, moderate carbohydrates, and fiber from the fresh vegetables.

Drink pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc refreshes the palate after the smoky corn and chile-lime pork.