Juicy Citrus Marinated Pork Chops with Zesty Mango Black Bean Salsa: Your Ultimate Summer Grilling Recipe
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with our incredible Citrus Marinated Pork Chops with Mango Black Bean Salsa! This recipe features succulent, perfectly grilled pork chops, infused with a bright citrus marinade, then crowned with a vibrant salsa that masterfully blends sweet and savory notes. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a fresh, flavorful, and easy meal that shines during the warmer months. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable summer culinary experience!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
As soon as the sun peeks out and the weather turns pleasant, there’s an undeniable urge to fire up the grill. Grilling isn’t just about cooking; it’s a social event, a sensory delight, and an invitation to gather with loved ones. While classic burgers and hot dogs are always a hit, my family has truly fallen in love with grilled pork chops, especially when they’re prepared with this incredible citrus marinade.
After experimenting with various marinades, I discovered that a simple blend of fresh citrus instantly transforms ordinary pork chops into an extraordinary dish. The acidity in the marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with a bright, zesty flavor that’s incredibly refreshing. But the real game-changer? Pairing these juicy, tender pork chops with a homemade Mango Black Bean Salsa. The sweet, tropical notes of the mango, combined with the earthy black beans, crisp red onion, and a hint of spice, create a harmonious balance that perfectly complements the rich pork. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps for the marinade and the salsa, you’ll have a gourmet-quality meal ready for your next backyard BBQ or weeknight dinner. The hands-on cooking time is minimal, allowing you more time to enjoy the beautiful weather and good company. From the moment those marinated pork chops hit the grill, the tantalizing aroma will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. Trust me, once you try these Citrus Marinated Pork Chops with Mango Black Bean Salsa, you’ll agree it’s the ultimate pork chop recipe for the grilling season!
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
One of the true joys of cooking is creating a meal that tastes incredibly decadent and complex, yet relies on a handful of straightforward, accessible ingredients. This recipe perfectly embodies that principle, combining fresh produce and pantry staples to create something truly special.
For the Citrus Marinated Pork Chops
To achieve the most flavorful and tender pork chops, we recommend starting with 4-6 one-inch bone-in pork chops. Bone-in cuts tend to retain more moisture and impart a richer flavor during cooking, resulting in a juicier chop every time. While boneless options can work, the bone significantly enhances the overall experience.
The star of our marinade is, of course, the citrus! You’ll need the fresh zest and juice of both an orange and a lime. This dynamic duo provides a refreshing, tangy, and aromatic base that tenderizes the pork and infuses it with a bright, summery essence. The citrus notes are incredibly uplifting and perfectly suited for warm weather. Complementing this, you’ll add some everyday cooking oil (such as olive or vegetable oil), a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness and beautiful caramelization, fragrant minced garlic for depth, and finally, just the right amount of salt and pepper to taste. It’s a simple yet powerful combination that ensures deeply flavorful pork chops.
For the Zesty Mango Black Bean Salsa
The salsa is where the vibrant colors and exciting textures come to life, and it’s equally simple to assemble. Gather a can of black beans (drained and rinsed), two large ripe mangos (peeled and diced, or use thawed frozen mango for convenience), and finely chopped red onion for a sharp, fresh bite. The bright flavors are amplified with more lime juice, a clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of aromatic spices: chili powder and cumin, which add warmth without overpowering the fruit. A generous handful of fresh cilantro brings a herbaceous finish, and a drizzle of olive oil helps bind all the fresh ingredients together. This salsa is a burst of tropical goodness that beautifully contrasts the grilled pork.
How to Make Citrus Marinated Pork Chops with Mango Black Bean Salsa
Crafting this delicious meal is a straightforward process, broken down into a few easy steps. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to prepare components in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Marinade and Marinate the Pork Chops
Begin by combining all the marinade ingredients – the zest and juice of both the orange and lime, cooking oil, honey, minced garlic, and salt and pepper – in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined. This creates a vibrant, aromatic mixture that will deeply flavor and tenderize your pork chops. Pour this delicious marinade into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Add your bone-in pork chops, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, and ideally up to 24 hours. The longer they marinate, the more flavor they’ll absorb, leading to incredibly juicy and tender results.
Step 2: Whip Up the Refreshing Mango Black Bean Salsa
While your pork chops are soaking up all that wonderful citrus flavor, you can easily prepare the mango black bean salsa. This step is incredibly quick and requires minimal effort – primarily just chopping! In a medium bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, diced mangos, chopped red onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Gently toss all the ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Once assembled, cover the salsa and refrigerate it. Allowing it to chill gives the flavors time to meld and intensify, resulting in an even more delicious topping when you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Grill Your Pork Chops to Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. It’s crucial to ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Carefully place the marinated pork chops directly on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 10 minutes on each side. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chops and the heat of your grill, so keep a close eye on them. The pork chops are done when their internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C) and the juices run clear, with no pink remaining in the center when cut. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking and ensure maximum juiciness. Once cooked, remove the chops from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing a tender and moist result.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Your Flavorful Creation
Once the grilled pork chops have rested, it’s time to assemble your plates. Spoon a generous amount of the vibrant mango black bean salsa over each juicy pork chop. While the salsa is technically optional – and these citrus pork chops are fantastic on their own or with other sides – the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes of the mango salsa truly elevate the dish. It adds another layer of incredible flavor, brightness, and a wonderful summery feel that transforms a great meal into an extraordinary one. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this perfect sweet and savory combination!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Grilled Pork Chops
Preventing dry pork chops is key to a delicious meal! Several factors contribute to juicy results: First, using bone-in pork chops, as recommended in this recipe, helps retain moisture. Second, avoid cooking them on excessively high heat or for longer than necessary; medium heat is ideal. Always monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 140-145°F (60-63°C). Finally, and critically, let your pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes after removing them from the grill. This allows the internal juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.
For 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops cooked on medium heat, you’ll typically grill them for about 8-12 minutes per side, for a total of 16-24 minutes. The most accurate way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone. They should read 140-145°F (60-63°C) in the middle for a perfectly cooked, slightly pink center, or slightly higher if you prefer them more well-done. Always allow them to rest after grilling.
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can marinate the pork chops for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, allowing you to get a head start on dinner. The mango black bean salsa can also be made a day or two in advance. Simply ensure it’s covered tightly and refrigerated. The flavors will actually deepen as they sit, making for an even more delicious salsa!
These flavorful pork chops pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Beyond the mango black bean salsa, consider serving them with a light rice pilaf, roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots, a simple garden salad, or even some creamy mashed potatoes. The bright flavors of the pork and salsa make it versatile enough to complement many accompaniments.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as written, feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, finely chop a jalapeño pepper and add it to your mango black bean salsa. Remove the seeds for a milder spice, or leave them in for a more intense kick.
- Alternative Sides: If mango salsa isn’t quite what you’re craving, these citrus pork chops are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with many other dishes. Try our Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a comforting and hearty option, a true family favorite!
- Add More Veggies and Grains: For a complete and satisfying meal, serve your grilled pork chops alongside our Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf. It’s light, flavorful, and an ideal accompaniment to any meat.
- Simple Roasted Vegetables: Sometimes, a simple vegetable side is all you need. You must try our Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli for a zesty, savory crunch, or our sweet and tender Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots!
Hungry for More Delicious Recipes?
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Looking for more fantastic recipes perfect for the summer season? Here are a few more favorites I think you’ll absolutely love:
- Refreshing Strawberry Cobb Salad
- Easy and Flavorful Bruschetta Recipe
- Classic Old Fashioned Potato Salad
If you tried this amazing recipe, please don’t forget to leave a star rating and a review down below! Your feedback helps me know how much you enjoyed it and encourages others to give it a try. Happy grilling!
Citrus Marinated Pork Chops with Mango Black Bean Salsa
Ingredients
- 4-6 1 ” bone in pork chops
- MARINADE:
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons of any cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- MANGO BLACK BEAN SALSA
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 large mangos diced (peeling and seed removed) or 2 cups frozen diced mango, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon each chili powder and cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- small handful of cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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PORK CHOPS: In a small bowl combine the marinade ingredients and whisk to combine. Pour into a large resealable plastic bag and add in the pork chops. Seal and let sit for 8-24 hours.
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Preheat the grill to a medium heat. Clean and oil grill grates. Place pork chops on grill and cook for 10 minutes on each side or until juices run clear and the center of the chop is no longer pink when cut.
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MANGO BLACK BEAN SALSA: Meanwhile combine all salsa ingredients in a medium bowl and serve with pork chops.
Notes
*If you would like a spicy salsa add in some finely chopped jalapeno.
