Bring bold island flavors to your table with these juicy Mojo Pork Chops topped with a vibrant, fresh mango salsa that perfectly balances zesty, smoky, and sweet in every bite.
If you’re looking for a flavorful and refreshing dinner idea, these Mojo Pork Chops topped with Mango Salsa are a must-try. The pork chops are marinated in a citrusy garlic mojo, grilled until perfectly juicy, and then finished with a sweet and spicy mango salsa that brings everything together. This recipe is perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or even entertaining guests.
Serves: 2–3
Prep Time: 4 hours (includes marinating)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Why Mojo Pork Chops Work
Balanced Flavor Combination: This recipe shines because it balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. The citrusy mojo marinade infuses the pork chops with brightness and depth, while the fresh mango salsa adds natural sweetness and a touch of heat. Together, they create a harmony of flavors that feels refreshing yet bold.
Tender and Juicy Pork Chops: By marinating the pork chops for several hours, the citrus and garlic not only flavor the meat but also help tenderize it. Grilling the chops over medium heat while flipping frequently locks in the juices, ensuring the pork stays moist and flavorful instead of drying out.
Fresh, Vibrant Ingredients: This dish highlights the use of fresh ingredients like mangos, bell peppers, jalapeños, and herbs. These colorful, nutrient-rich ingredients not only make the recipe visually appealing but also provide added vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier yet indulgent meal.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe works because it’s versatile enough for different occasions. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve at a summer cookout or dinner party. Plus, the tropical flair of mango salsa pairs beautifully with pork, making it a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and gourmet.
Ingredients For Mango Salsa
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 ripe mangos, diced
- ½–1 red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and deveined
Ingredients for Mojo Marinade & Pork
- 1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large orange
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3–4 rosemary sprigs
- 2 bone-in pork chops
Instructions
Prepare the Mango Salsa: First, begin by chopping all the salsa ingredients into similar bite-sized pieces. This ensures each spoonful has a balanced mix of flavors. Next, combine bell peppers, mangos, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, mix everything together and refrigerate until serving. The longer the salsa sits, the more vibrant and flavorful it becomes.
Marinate the Pork Chops: Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. After that, pour the marinade over the pork chops in a shallow dish. Keep in mind, the chops should be covered only halfway with oil—not fully submerged. To add extra flavor, tuck orange slices and rosemary sprigs between the chops. Allow the pork to marinate for 3–6 hours, flipping halfway through to ensure even flavor distribution.
Season the Pork Chops: When ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Do not scrape them clean—any remaining marinade enhances the flavor. Next, season both sides with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Grilling: Grill the pork chops over medium heat, flipping every 90 seconds, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 10 minutes. Finally, slice the pork chops and generously spoon the chilled mango salsa on top before serving.
This marinade will also work on Wild Boar Chops
This mango also pairs great with Grilled Shrimp Tostadas
Mojo Pork Chops with Fresh Mango Salsa
If you’re looking for a flavorful and refreshing dinner idea, these Mojo Pork Chops topped with Mango Salsa are a must-try. The pork chops are marinated in a citrusy garlic mojo, grilled until perfectly juicy, and then finished with a sweet and spicy mango salsa that brings everything together. This recipe is perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or even entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large orange
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3–4 rosemary sprigs
- 2 bone-in pork chops
Ingredients for Mango Salsa
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 ripe mangos, diced
- ½–1 red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and deveined
Instructions
Prepare the Mango Salsa: First, begin by chopping all the salsa ingredients into similar bite-sized pieces. This ensures each spoonful has a balanced mix of flavors. Next, combine bell peppers, mangos, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, jalapeño, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, mix everything together and refrigerate until serving. The longer the salsa sits, the more vibrant and flavorful it becomes.
Marinate the Pork Chops: Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. After that, pour the marinade over the pork chops in a shallow dish. Keep in mind, the chops should be covered only halfway with oil—not fully submerged. To add extra flavor, tuck orange slices and rosemary sprigs between the chops. Allow the pork to marinate for 3–6 hours, flipping halfway through to ensure even flavor distribution.
Grill the Pork Chops: When ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Do not scrape them clean—any remaining marinade enhances the flavor. Next, season both sides with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. Grill the pork chops over medium heat, flipping every 90 seconds, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 10 minutes. Finally, slice the pork chops and generously spoon the chilled mango salsa on top before serving.
Notes
Fresh, Vibrant Ingredients: This dish highlights the use of fresh ingredients like mangos, bell peppers, jalapeños, and herbs. These colorful, nutrient-rich ingredients not only make the recipe visually appealing but also provide added vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier yet indulgent meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 520Total Fat: 26gSodium: 680mgProtein: 38g