Create tender, flavorful pork with this straightforward Easy Spiced Pork recipe. In just about 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of resting time, you can have pork marinating in a delicious mix of smoked paprika, coriander, and fresh citrus. It's a simple method for adding big flavor to your family's meals.
How to Make Citrus Spiced Pork
- Budget-Friendly: We use boneless western ribs, a versatile cut that often goes on sale, allowing you to feed a family of four for around $15.
- Versatile Hub Recipe: This isn't just one dinner—it's the start of three! Use this meat for tacos on Tuesday, burrito bowls on Wednesday, and nachos on Friday.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh orange and lemon juice acts as a natural tenderizer while infusing the meat with bright, zesty notes that cut through the richness of the pork.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half in the marinade. You will have a backup dinner ready to go whenever you need it.
Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost | Shopper's Note |
| 2 lbs Boneless Western Ribs | ~$10.00 - $11.00 | This cut is often on sale. Look for "Buy One Get One" deals to lower this even further. |
| Fresh Citrus (Orange & Lemon) | ~$1.50 | Buying loose fruit is usually cheaper than bagged for small quantities. |
| Spices & Seasonings | ~$2.50 | Calculated as a portion of your pantry staples (cumin, paprika, salt, etc.). |
| Total Meal Cost | ~$14.00 - $15.00 | Feeds 4-6 people for roughly $2.50 - $3.75 per serving. |
How to Use the Easy Spiced Pork
- Tacos
- Grilling
- Burrito Bowls
- Soft tacos with everything sauce
- Serve it with my 15 minute cheese sauce
- Use ranch dressing as a dip
- Use the spice mixture for chicken or shrimp
The Ingredients for the Spiced Pork
- Boneless Western Pork Ribs: We choose this cut because it is marbled with enough fat to stay juicy during high-heat roasting, yet it is incredibly affordable compared to tenderloin.
- Fresh Orange & Lemon Juice: The acidity in fresh citrus breaks down the muscle fibers in the pork, acting as a natural tenderizer while adding a bright, fresh flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika & Chipotle Powder: These provide that signature smoky warmth and a gentle heat that mimics the flavor of an outdoor grill, even when cooked in the oven.
- Coriander & Cumin: These earthy spices ground the bright citrus notes, creating a classic savory base often found in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
- Oregano: This herb adds a peppery, slightly bitter undertone that balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
How to Make the Spicy Spiced Pork
- Prep the Spices: If you have whole spices, run them through a spice grinder or coffee grinder to create a fine powder. If using pre-ground spices, mix the coriander, allspice, chipotle, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until uniform.
- Cube the Pork: Take your boneless western ribs and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Keeping them the same size ensures they all cook at the same rate, so you don't end up with some dry pieces and some undercooked ones. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Marinate: Pour the fresh orange and lemon juice over the pork. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the top. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix vigorously. You want the spices and juice to form a paste that coats every single cube.
- Rest: Cover the bowl tightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. If you have time, 4 hours (or overnight) will result in even deeper flavor. Don't skip the rest! As Serious Eats explains, it gives the meat some carryover cooking time.
- Roast: Preheat your convection oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the pork in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast for 12-14 minutes.
- Check Doneness: The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and has nice browned edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
How to Use Your Leftovers
If you have leftover meat from this roast then you must try my Baked Spiced Pork Quesadillas. They are a quick and easy way to turn this pork into a completely new meal for the week.
FAQ's:
Absolutely. While this recipe uses boneless western ribs, you could also use pork loin or pork tenderloin. Just be sure to cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
You can marinate the pork for as little as 30 minutes if you are short on time. For the best flavor, I recommend letting it marinate for at least 4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well in a skillet or the microwave, making it great for meal prep.
Of course. The heat in this recipe comes from the chipotle chili powder. You can reduce the amount to ¼ teaspoon or omit it completely for a milder, kid-friendly version that is still full of flavor.
Yes, this recipe is freezer-friendly. You can place the pork and the marinade into a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
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Recipe
Easy Spiced Pork
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of boneless western ribs cut into 1 inch cubes
- Juice of one orange
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon of allspice
- ½ teaspoon of chipotle chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
Method
- If possible, run spices together through a spice grinder or coffee grinder to get the spices as fine as possible.
- In an appropriate sized bowl, combine pork, lemon and orange juices, and spices. Mix until pork is coated very well.
- Cover bowl and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Bake in a preheated convection oven at 425 degrees F for 12-14 minutes or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Nutrition
Notes
- Spice Grinding: For the freshest flavor, buying whole cumin and coriander seeds and grinding them yourself makes a huge difference, but pre-ground spices work well too.
- Make it Crispy: If you want crispy edges like "carnitas," turn your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking—just keep a close eye on it so the spices don't burn!
- Salt Levels: The amount of salt listed is for Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. If using table salt, reduce the amount by half to avoid over-salting.
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