Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple

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

Tender pork chunks marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime sauce, grilled alongside sweet pineapple for a vibrant appetizer or main course. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 87 minutes pairs chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 75 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound of 1-inch cubed pork tenderloin to the marinade, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through with a slight char and pineapple is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving these flavorful pork skewers warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 87 minutes (75 min prep + 12 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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple?

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 chopped fresh cilantro from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple?

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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple 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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple?

Caribbean 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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