Published on Saturday, December 27, 2025

By Melissa Pette

Yes, tamales are the headliners at a Costa Rican New Year’s Eve table, but let’s not ignore their delicious sidekick: pork chops swimming in a savory sauce that low-key steals the show.

In Costa Rica, pork is the holiday MVP. It shows up everywhere this time of year, inside tamales, on the grill, in the oven, you name it. It’s flavorful, affordable, and feeds a crowd without drama. Honestly? It’s doing the most.

This Tico-style pork is a go-to for special occasions like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and any gathering where you want people to leave full, happy, and planning their next visit.

Best part? Dinner’s ready in about 25 minutes, which means more time celebrating and less time babysitting the stove.

And trust me, this is one of those meals where everyone’s laughing, plates are clean, and people are weirdly emotional about how good it was. You might even get hugs. Possibly leftovers requests. Definitely compliments.

Let’s get cookin’!

Ingredients are easy to find in Costa Rica and honestly, anywhere else too.

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin.

• 1 teaspoon red seasoning powder.

• 4 boneless pork loin chops (about 6 oz each).

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil.

• 1¼ cups of your favorite tomato sauce.

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced.

• 3 garlic cloves, minced.

• 1 white onion, chopped.

• 1 green onion, chopped.

Mix the cumin and red seasoning powder, then rub it all over both sides of the pork chops like you mean it.

Heat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Once it’s hot enough to sear (about 375°F), add the pork.

Sear the chops for 3–4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden and hit an internal temp of 145°F. Remove them from the pan and let them rest for about 3 minutes.

Yes, resting matters. Let the pork chill for a sec.

While the chops rest, mix the tomato sauce, garlic, and white onion in a small bowl. Add that mixture to the same pan, because we’re absolutely using those flavorful pork drippings. Fry the sauce for a couple of minutes until it smells incredible.

Pour the sauce over the pork, sprinkle with cilantro and green onion, and admire your work.

What to serve it with. Well, choose your own adventure. These pork chops play well with pretty much anything: white rice, mashed potatoes, sautéed cabbage with bacon and onions, green bean casserole, and any veggies you love.

For drinks? Keep it festive. White wine works perfectly, or go full holiday mode with a glass of creamy rompope. Beer lovers, this is your moment too.

This is the kind of New Year’s Eve dinner that’s relaxed, comforting, and just fancy enough to feel special. No stress, no chaos, just good food, good vibes, and a table full of happy people.

Have a Pura Vida New Year 2026!

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Feel free to share your own recipes by emailing a horizontal photo of your dish to food@amcostarica.com. You can find more tasty Costa Rican recipes over on the AM Costa Rica Food Magazine.

The recipe may contain or come into contact with common allergen ingredients. It is the reader's sole responsibility to review all ingredients and make sure they are suitable for their specific dietary needs and potential adverse reactions.

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