Grilled Brazilian Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic
Tender pork marinated in a vibrant citrus and garlic sauce, then grilled to smoky perfection, inspired by Brazilian flavors. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder steaks, fresh lime juice, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork shoulder steaks
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until fully combined.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds pork shoulder steaks in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and shake off excess.
- Step 4: Grill the pork steaks for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the edges develop a charred, smoky crust.
- Step 5: Transfer pork to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro over the pork before serving to add a fresh, herbal finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Brazilian Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic 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 Grilled Brazilian Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?
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 pounds pork shoulder steaks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Brazilian Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?
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 Grilled Brazilian Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic 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 Grilled Brazilian Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?
Brazilian 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.
