This post was created in partnership with Ninja®. I received a complimentary product, but all opinions within are my own.
Grilled Cuban Pork Chops are marinated in a delicious blend of flavors including orange, lime, fresh herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. This recipe will give you intensely flavored, juicy pork chops every time. Grilled plantains make the perfect side for this island-inspired meal.
One of my favorite summer meals is Cuban pork, plantains, and coconut rice. I usually end up baking the pork in the oven, while making the plantains and rice on the stove top. But, I love grilled food, especially in the summer. I wanted to try grilling the Cuban pork and thought I could probably grill the plantains too.
Unfortunately, our grill kicked the bucket this summer and we temporarily moved to a much smaller home without as much outdoor space for a new grill. I knew that if we were going to continue enjoying grilled food this summer, we were going to have to try using an indoor grill, like the Ninja Foodi Grill.
What is the Ninja Foodi Grill?
I’m really excited about the new Ninja Foodi Grill. If you’ve read some of my other grilled recipes, than you’ll know that I leave the grilling up to my fiancé. I have some weird, irrational fear of traditional grills.
Now, I can do the grilling myself, anytime of the year, rain or shine in my own kitchen! That’s what I love the most about the Ninja Foodi Grill. But, there are more fun features of this indoor grill.
It heats to 500ºF and circulates the air so that you get a crisp sear when grilling meats and vegetables without all of the smoke. Your food looks, smells, and tastes as if it was grilled outdoors.
The Ninja Foodi Grill is also an air fry crisper. You can make your entire meal with the same appliance. Grill up some burgers, then air fry crisp the fries and dinner is served! You can even use the Ninja Foodi grill to dehydrate foods like fruits and meats to make jerky!
I used the Ninja Foodi Grill to make this recipe for Grilled Cuban Pork Chops and Plantains. While I was grilling the pork and plantains, I made a side of coconut rice on the stove top. It’s much more convenient than grilling half the meal outdoors while trying to cook the rest indoors.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fresh citrus and herbs give these pork chops a zesty taste of the islands.
- Grilled plantains add a touch of sweetness that even kids will love!
- This recipe is naturally gluten free and low carb.
How to Make Grilled Cuban Pork Chops and Plantains
Prep!
This recipe is really easy to make, but do keep in mind that the pork chops should really have all night (or at least 8 hours) to marinate for you to be able to get the most flavor, so plan ahead!
Once you are ready to begin cooking, you will need to zest and juice the fruits, and mince and chop the garlic, cilantro, and mint. Peel the plantains, cut them into half, then slice them lengthwise.
Create!
Whisk together the olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, mint, garlic, oregano and cumin. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade.
Pour the remaining marinade into a large zip top bag (or a container with a lid) and add the pork chops. Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Tip – fresh is always best! You can use dried herbs or bottled juices in a pinch, if needed.
Insert the grill grate into the Ninja Foodi Grill and close the lid. Select grill, set the temperature to high, and set the time to 15 minutes (for thick cut pork chops). The grill will beep once it’s preheated.
Once the grill is preheated, remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting the excess drip off before adding them to the grill. Press them down lightly.
Close the lid and allow to cook for 7-8 minutes. Carefully open the lid, turn the pork chops over, and close the lid to cook the remainder of the time set. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 150°F.
Remove the pork chops to a plate, cover with foil, and allow to rest.
Reset the Ninja Foodi Grill to MAX and set the time for 8 minutes.
Once the grill is preheated, brush the plantains with melted coconut oil and add to the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 4 minutes.
Tip: you can top the grilled plantains with a sprinkle of brown sugar and/or drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Present!
Serve the pork with the extra marinade, if desired.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Grilled Cuban Pork Chops
- Marinate the pork chops for at least 8 hours for the most flavor.
- Fresh is always best. However, I have used dried herbs and bottled juices in the past and the end result is still really delicious.
- Store leftover pork chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
- You can add a sprinkle of brown sugar and maple syrup to the grilled plantains, if desired.
FAQ’s
- How do you know when pork is done cooking? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. Once it has reached 150°F, it is done cooking. Be sure to let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to disperse before serving.
- What do you serve with Cuban Pork Chops? Id you are not grilling plantains with your pork chops, some other ideas for sides are Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains and Creamy Coconut Rice. Black beans and yellow rice are also popular sides to serve with this dish.
Other Recipes to Try
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Grilled Cuban Pork Chops and Plantains
Ingredients
Grilled Cuban Pork Chops
- 4 thick cut pork chops
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 orange * zested
- 1 cup orange juice * freshly squeezed
- 1 lime * zested
- 1/2 cup lime * freshly squeezed
- 1 cup cilantro * finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mint leaves * finely chopped
- 8 cloves garlic * minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
Grilled Plantains
- 2 plantains * cut in half and sliced horizontally
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil * melted
Instructions
Grilled Cuban Pork Chops
- Whisk together the olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, mint, garlic, oregano and cumin. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade.
- Pour the remaining marinade into a large zip top bag (or a container with a lid) and add the pork chops.
- Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Insert the grill grate into the Ninja Foodi Grill and close the lid. Select grill, set the temperature to high, and set the time to 15 minutes (for thick cut pork chops).
- Once the grill is preheated, remove the pork chops from the marinade, letting the excess drip off before adding them to the grill. Press them down lightly.
- Close the lid and allow to cook for 7-8 minutes.
- Carefully open the lid, turn the pork chops over, and close the lid to cook the remainder of the time set or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 150°F.
- Remove the pork chops to a plate, cover with foil, and allow to rest.
Grilled Plantains
- Reset the Ninja Foodi Grill to grill at the MAX temperature, and set the time for 8 minutes.
- Once the grill is preheated, brush the plantains with melted coconut oil and add to the hot grill.
- Close the lid and cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 4 minutes.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for the Best Grilled Cuban Pork Chops
- Marinate the pork chops for at least 8 hours for the most flavor.
- Fresh is always best. However, I have used dried herbs and bottled juices in the past and the end result is still really delicious.
- Store leftover pork chops in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days.
- Top the plantains with brown sugar and maple syrup, if desired.
