Charred Mezcal-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy pork skewers glazed with smoky mezcal and grilled to perfection, served alongside a fresh and tangy pineapple salsa inspired by Oaxacan flavors. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, mezcal, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mezcal, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until the pork is charred at the edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pork skewers hot with a generous spoonful of fresh pineapple salsa on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Mezcal-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Mezcal-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Mezcal-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Charred Mezcal-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa 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 Charred Mezcal-Glazed Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Mexican 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.

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