Adobo-Marinated Pork Shoulder Grilled

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork shoulder marinated in garlic-vinegar adobo, grilled to smoky perfection for a tender, flavorful centerpiece. This puerto rican-inspired grilling ready in about 165 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, minced garlic, white vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil to form the adobo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs trimmed pork shoulder in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and rub all over the meat. Seal and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-low (300°F) with indirect heat. Place pork on cooler side of grill, away from direct flames, and close lid.
  4. Step 4: Grill for 2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes with 1/4 cup orange juice, until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Rest pork for 15 minutes before slicing, then serve with extra basting juice spooned over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Adobo-Marinated Pork Shoulder Grilled take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Adobo-Marinated Pork Shoulder Grilled?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Adobo-Marinated Pork Shoulder Grilled?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Adobo-Marinated Pork Shoulder Grilled for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Adobo-Marinated Pork Shoulder Grilled?

Puerto Rican grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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