Chermoula Marinated Pork Chops Recipes

ROAST PORK LOIN WITH CHERMOULA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. For the pork loin: Season generously with salt on all sides. Roughly chop thyme, rosemary leaves, sage, and garlic together so that they're combined. Set aside. Truss the pork loin for even cooking: Take five feet of butcher's twine; tie the twine around one end of the loin with a square knot, leaving the twine long on one end. Pass the twine under the loin about a half-inch down and bring it all the way around; tuck and tighten the string, closing the loop. Repeat until the entire pork loin is trussed. At the end, tie the two loose ends of the string together. Rub the herb/garlic mixture all over the pork.
• Slowly heat a shallow roasting pan over low heat. When pan is preheated, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and raise heat to medium. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the pork loin, fat side down, and roll it around to sear on all sides, 1-2 minutes per side. Add more oil as necessary. Place in the oven for 40 minutes, until a thermometer registers about 138 F in the thickest part of the meat.
• For the chermoula vinaigrette: Heat a dry pan over medium-high heat and add the peppercorn, coriander, cumin, and fennel seed. Toast the spices, shaking the pan to avoid burning, about 2 minutes. When the spices are fragrant, remove from heat and place in a food processor along with sumac, Aleppo pepper, lemon zest and juice, salt, and olive oil. Pulse to combine; consistency should be loose but still a bit crunchy with spices. Set aside.
• Check pork after 40 minutes to see that it registers about 138 degrees F; increase oven temperature to 425 F. Place the pork back in the oven and cook another 5 minutes.
• Pork is done when a thermometer registers 145 degrees F (the temperature will continue to rise to about 150 F as it rests). Meanwhile, finish the chermoula by coarsely chopping cilantro and parsley and adding it to the vinaigrette. Pour the pan drippings from the pork into the vinaigrette and stir to combine. After the pork has rested and come to temperature, cut the twine off and slice. Serve with chermoula vinaigrette on top.

CHERMOULA

Steps:

• Coarsely chop the cilantro and parsley. A scissors is a good tool for this; point it tip down in the measuring cup and cut the leaves. Then place them in a food processor and chop very fine, or chop on a cutting board. You should have 1 cup finely chopped herbs.
• Place the garlic and salt in a mortar and puree. Add a small handful of the chopped herbs, and gently but firmly grind until the herbs begin to dissolve. Add another handful. When all of the herbs have been mashed, work in the spices, 1/3 cup olive oil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more olive oil or salt if desired. Serve with grilled fish and/or vegetables, or with chicken.

BEST PORK CHOP MARINADE

Steps:

• Cut each pork chop from one side through the middle horizontally to within 1/2 inch of the other side. Open the two sides and spread them out like an open book.
• Whisk olive oil, brown sugar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, thyme, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, mesquite seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper together in a bowl and pour into a large resealable plastic bag. Add pork chops, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator, 6 to 8 hours.

FISH MARINADE (CHERMOULA)

Steps:

• In food processor or blender combine cilantro, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper, olive oil, salt, and cayenne to a fine paste. Adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil; the marinade should be fairly thick.

CHERMOULA-MARINATED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine the marinade ingredients. Spread the marinade evenly on both sides of the chops. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours. (I place the marinade and chops in a ziplock bag and message to coat.)
• Prepare the grill for direct cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F). Brush the cooking grates clean.
• Allow the chops to stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before grilling. Season the chops with salt and the pepper. Grill the chops over direct medium heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, until they are still slightly pink in the center, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once or twice. Remove from the grill and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes.