Habanero-Marinated Pork Chops With Mustard Greens Slaw

Spicy and flavorful pork chops marinated in a vibrant habanero-lemongrass sauce, served alongside a fresh and crunchy mustard greens slaw with grilled jicama and fragrant basil.

4 servings
3 hr 8 min

Ingredients

  • 2 stalks lemongrass stalks, tough outer layers removed
  • 1 whole habanero chile, seeded, very finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, crushed
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar, divided
  • 4 pieces (1/2"-thick) bone-in pork chops
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grill
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1 whole jicama, peeled, sliced 1/4" thick
  • 1 bunch bunch mustard greens, thick stems removed, sliced (about 8 cups)
  • ½ cup torn basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Using the back of a chef's knife, lightly smash lemongrass, then thinly slice. Combine lemongrass, chile, garlic, orange juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and 4 tablespoons vinegar in a small bowl. Pour half of marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; reserve remaining marinade.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Prick pork chops all over with a fork and add to bag; seal and turn to coat. Let marinate at room temperature, turning occasionally, at least 30 minutes.

    30 min

  3. 3.

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat; oil grate. Remove pork chops from marinade and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let rest 5 minutes.

    13 min

  4. 4.

    Meanwhile, season jicama with salt and grill until lightly charred, about 3 minutes per side. Cut into bite-size pieces and toss in a large bowl with mustard greens, basil, and remaining 3 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons vinegar; season with salt and pepper.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Taste reserved marinade and season with salt, if needed. Serve pork chops with slaw alongside and marinade for drizzling over.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Pork chops can be marinated 2 hours ahead. Chill.

    120 min