Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Pepita Salsa

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

Juicy pork marinated in bright citrus flavors and served with a crunchy pumpkin seed salsa inspired by Guatemalan cuisine. This Latin American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork shoulder steak, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, toast 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned; transfer to a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 small finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced seeded jalapeño, and 3 tbsp olive oil to the toasted pumpkin seeds; stir well to combine and season with a pinch of salt; set aside.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the pork is nicely charred and juicy.
  7. Step 7: Let pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing; serve topped with the pepita salsa alongside warm tortillas or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Pepita Salsa 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Pepita Salsa?

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 pork shoulder steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Pepita 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Pepita 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Pepita Salsa?

Latin American 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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