Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce
Juicy pork skewers marinated with garlic and lime, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, minced garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp, plus 1/4 cup for sauce olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup packed, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup packed, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb cubed pork shoulder, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri by mixing 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until nicely charred on the edges and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the pork skewers drizzled with the chimichurri sauce alongside your favorite sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?
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 Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Brazilian-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?
Brazilian pork 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Authentic flavors! Served with rice and beans—my husband said it reminded him of Rio. Will be making weekly.
- ★★★★★
Best pork skewers I've ever made. The chimichurri recipe is genius—used it on chicken too. Family requested it twice last week.
- ★★★★★
My Brazilian in-laws loved these! The chimichurri cut through the pork fat beautifully—made a whole batch for Sunday dinner.