Pork Chops with Smoky Mole-Style Rub Recipe

Name: Pork Chops with Smoky Mole-Style Rub
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cumin seeds; 2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika; 1 tablespoon muscovado or dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; Four 1-inch-thick pork rib chops (about 2 3/4 pounds); Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper

Servings: persons

1 tablespoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika
1 tablespoon muscovado or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Four 1-inch-thick pork rib chops (about 2 3/4 pounds)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

1
In a small skillet, toast the cumin seeds over moderate heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2
Transfer to a spice grinder and let cool, then finely grind.
3
In a small bowl, whisk the ground cumin with the smoked paprika, brown sugar, chile powder, oregano, garlic, cocoa powder and sesame seeds.
4
Light a grill or preheat a grill pan.
5
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper and rub 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture all over each chop.
6
Grill the chops over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone registers 135, about 12 minutes.
7
Transfer the pork chops to a carving board or platter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, 2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika, 1 tablespoon muscovado or dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder, and more.

Yes, Pork Chops with Smoky Mole-Style Rub falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pork Chops with Smoky Mole-Style Rub

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions