Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Recado Rojo

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

Tender pork marinated in a vibrant Guatemalan red recado spice blend and fresh citrus, then grilled to smoky perfection. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, achiote paste (recado rojo), orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 Latin American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp achiote paste, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and brush with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the pork is charred at edges and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the pork and serve with warm tortillas or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Recado Rojo 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 Recado Rojo?

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 achiote paste (recado rojo) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Pork with Guatemalan Recado Rojo?

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 Recado Rojo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Recado Rojo?

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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