Charred Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy pork skewers marinated in smoky mezcal and spices, grilled over high heat and paired with a fresh pineapple and cilantro salsa. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 32 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, mezcal, orange juice 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 320 calories and feeds 8, 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup mezcal, 1/4 cup orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried ancho chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; whisk to mix.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the salsa by mixing 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl; set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat and brush grates with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  5. Step 5: Thread marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  6. Step 6: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until edges are charred and pork is cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F.
  7. Step 7: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Serve the pork skewers hot, topped with fresh pineapple salsa for a balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Mezcal-Marinated 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-Marinated 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-Marinated Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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-Marinated 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.

Related recipes