In a large bowl, combine garlic, tamarind, sambal oelek, ginger, salt, cumin, fish sauce and turmeric. Rub mixture evenly over pork, and let marinate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Scrape the marinade off the pork, reserving it (there will be a tablespoon or two), then place chops in pan and sear on one side until well browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Use tongs to hold pork chops vertically to sear the fat on the edges, another 2 to 3 minutes. Flip pork so browned side is on top and add reserved marinade to pan, stirring it into the drippings.
Transfer pan to oven and cook to desired doneness. About 8 minutes for lightly pink on the inside (135 degrees).
Transfer chops to a plate or cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
Slice the meat off the bone and serve slices coated with pan drippings, scallions and lime wedges.
