Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Juicy pork tenderloin skewers marinated and grilled, served with a fresh and zesty chimichurri sauce for vibrant flavor. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 2 tbsp red wine vinegar. Add 1.5 lbs cubed pork tenderloin and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri sauce by mixing 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning to get a nice char and cooking until internal temperature reaches 145°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve skewers drizzled with prepared chimichurri sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

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 Grilled Brazilian-Style Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

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-Style Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce 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-Style Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

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.

Related recipes