Pork Chops Al Pastor

5.0
(2)

These pork chops al pastor are inspired by my favorite taco. Smoky, spicy, tender, and juicy, the chili marinade also serves as a sauce, with a cold, bracing fresh pineapple salsa on the side. They are double-thick, so each one will make 2 servings.

sliced pork chop plated with pineapple salsa and chile marinade sauce
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Rest Time:
5 mins
Marinate Time:
8 hrs
Total Time:
9 hrs
Servings:
8
Yield:
4 chops
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

Pork and Marinade

  • 4 (12 to 14 ounce) bone-in double-cut pork chops

  • 1 (14 ounce) can pineapple chunks with juice

  • 2 tablespoons ground guajillo or ancho chili pepper, or any dried ground chile pepper

  • 1 tablespoon New Mexico or regular chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground chipotle

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 3 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (1 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of meat)

  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled

  • 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Onion Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed

  • 1 yellow onion, halved and sliced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

  • 1/3 cup water or chicken broth

Pineapple Salsa (optional)

  • 1/2 cup finely diced white or yellow onion

  • 1/2 cup finely diced fresh or canned pineapple

  • 1 tablespoon finely sliced fresh oregano leaves

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 lime, juiced, or to taste

  • cayenne for garnish

Directions

  1. Place chops in a resealable plastic bag set in a bowl. Add pineapple, guajillo, New Mexico chili powder, chipotle, cinnamon, salt, white vinegar, garlic, and onions to the jar of a blender, and blend until marinade is smooth; pour marinade into bag. Massage pork to coat evenly. Press out air, seal the bag, and refrigerate overnight, or up to 48 hours.

  2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

  3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Remove chops from marinade, scraping off as much excess as possible; reserve all marinade for the sauce. Sear chops in the hot pan on both sides until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate; set aside.

  4. Add yellow onion, cumin, and dried oregano to the pan, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. If pan seems dry, add another drizzle of oil.

  5. Turn off heat, and pour in water. Stir, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Place chops on top of onion mixture.

  6. Roast in the preheated oven until pork is cooked to taste, 20 to 30 minutes, basting or brushing chops with pan juices occasionally. An internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees F (60 to 63 degrees C) will ensure juicy, tender meat. Roasting time will vary greatly depending on size of chops, so check temperature with an instant-read thermometer early and often.

  7. Meanwhile, pour marinade into a saucepan, and add about 1/2 cup of water, or as needed to achieve desired thickness. Bring to a simmer on medium-high heat, whisking occasionally. Taste sauce for seasoning; keep warm until needed.

  8. To make salsa, combine white onion, diced pineapple, fresh oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt, and lime juice in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

  9. Remove pork from the oven; tent with foil and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. While resting, tops of chops can be garnished with sauce and a spoon of salsa.

    sliced pork chop plated with pineapple salsa and chile marinade sauce

    John Mitzewich

    Chef's Note:

    If using thinner, regular pork chops, the roasting steps may not be necessary. Simply pan-fry until desired doneness is reached, and remove to a plate. While resting, make onion mixture, but cook longer over medium heat, until onions are soft and sweet.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

434 Calories
21g Fat
15g Carbs
45g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 434
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 143mg 48%
Sodium 782mg 34%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 45g 90%
Vitamin C 14mg 16%
Calcium 83mg 6%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 800mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.