Max Power said:
If you want something with a lot of flavor look for an al pastor recipe that works for you and make tacos. It's normally made with pork butt, but chops should be fine.
I make chops similar to this. My son is working a Granzin's this summer so I may have to swing by and grab some chops.
Start with thick heritage pork chops (OP already checks that box). Make a rub with chile powder, ancho powder, chipotle powder, achiote paste, microplaned garlic, mustard powder, onion powder, and oregano. Sprinkle chops with salt and sugar, rub generously with chile rub. Vacuum seal and toss into the fridge for 24 hrs. Sous vide to 140 for about 90 minutes then sear off in cast iron. Remove chops from pan, turn off heat and let the pan cool for a couple of minutes while the chops rest. (Yes, Sous vide meat doesn't need to rest, but the pan needs to cool if you seared properly) Toss in a couple Tbls room temp butter and squeeze off a lime. Give the chops a quick turn in the butter and plate. Pour remaining melted butter over the chops. Serve with a baked sweet potato or sweet potato fries
Here's your CHAT GPT translation of Fido speak. I don't really measure, but that looks about right if you need to.
Pastor Style Heritage Pork Chops with Lime-Butter Finish
Ingredients
For the Chile Rub:
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ancho chile powder
1 tsp chipotle powder
1 tbsp achiote paste
2 garlic cloves, microplaned
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
For the Pork:
2 thick-cut heritage pork chops (bone-in preferred)
Kosher salt
Granulated sugar
For Finishing:
2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 lime, halved
Optional Sides:
Baked sweet potato or sweet potato fries
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chile Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ancho powder, chipotle powder, achiote paste, microplaned garlic, mustard powder, onion powder, and oregano until well combined.
2. Season the Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry. Generously sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and a light dusting of sugar. Rub the chile mixture thoroughly over the chops to coat.
3. Vacuum Seal & Marinate:
Place the seasoned chops into vacuum seal bags. Seal tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
4. Sous Vide the Pork:
Preheat your sous vide water bath to 140F (60C). Cook the sealed chops in the water bath for 90 minutes.
5. Sear the Chops:
Remove chops from the bag and pat dry thoroughly. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until just shy of smoking. Sear the chops for about 12 minutes per side, until a deep crust forms. Remove chops and let rest on a plate.
6. Make the Lime-Butter Sauce:
Turn off the heat and let the skillet cool for a minute or two. Add 2 tablespoons of room temperature butter and squeeze in the juice of the lime. Swirl the pan to emulsify the butter and lime juice.
7. Finish the Chops:
Return the chops to the pan briefly, turning once to coat them in the lime-butter sauce. Plate immediately and pour remaining butter over the top.
8. Serve:
Serve with your choice of baked sweet potato or crispy sweet potato fries for a balanced, sweet-spicy contrast.