We made this meal last weekend and it was packed with flavor! We ended up cooking the pork in the cast iron and it had a really great crust. The cilantro rice was really really great. We've made different versions in the past but I think this is the most perfect one and I know I'll make it again!
INGREDIENTS
For the Pork Chops
5 large jalapeños, stemmed
5 large garlic cloves, peeled
1 bunch cilantro stems, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 packed cup)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
½ cup olive oil, plus more for cooking
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
8 thin-cut, bone-in pork loin chops (½-inch thick)
For the Relish
1 large jalapeño, thinly sliced into rings
1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
⅓ cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cilantro leaves and tender stems, for garnish
Cilantro rice or cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
PREPARATION
Step 1: Make the pork chops: In a food processor, blitz the jalapeños, garlic, cilantro stems, rice vinegar, olive oil, salt and sugar until smooth. Place the pork chops in a large bowl or resealable container and pour the marinade over them; turn the chops to evenly coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
Step 2: While the chops marinate, prepare a charcoal grill for direct high-heat cooking, or heat a gas grill to medium-high.
Step 3: Make the relish: In a small bowl, toss the jalapeño, red onion, rice vinegar, salt, sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Set aside to quick-pickle until ready to serve, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Step 4: Carefully grease the grill grate: Use tongs to grip a wadded paper towel dipped in oil and then rub the grates with the oiled towel. With the marinade clinging to them, place the pork chops on the hot greased grate. Grill until the chops are charred at the edges and no longer pink in the middle, 2 to 3 minutes per side. The meat is ready to flip when it releases easily from the grates. (If using a gas grill, close the lid between flips.) Alternatively, cook the chops on the stovetop in batches. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan, and heat until shimmering. Add the chops, with the marinade clinging to them, to the pan. Sear until browned and caramelized at the edges and no longer pink in the middle, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Discard any remaining marinade.
Step 5: Serve the chops with the relish and cilantro on top. If you’d like, serve rice alongside.
CILANTRO RICE
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 bunch cilantro, stems and leaves separated, both finely chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati
½ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal), plus more to taste
1 large jalapeño, thinly sliced
Juice of ½ lime, plus more to taste
PREPARATION
Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil, then stir in the onion powder and cilantro stems until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir until oil-slicked, just a few seconds.
Step 2: Add 1½ cups water, raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and cook until all of the water is absorbed, 17 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, to steam for 10 more minutes.
Step 3: Fold in the salt, cilantro leaves, jalapeño and lime juice. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and lime juice as desired.
Enjoy. XOXO!
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