Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork skewers brushed with a bright citrus glaze, grilled to perfection and paired with fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a fresh and satisfying meal. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 65 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the citrus glaze.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork tenderloin to the bowl, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: While pork marinates, rinse 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice under cold water, then combine with 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lime zest into the cooked rice and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with remaining glaze, until pork is cooked through and nicely charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled pork skewers over the cilantro-lime rice, spooning any extra glaze from the grill over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice?

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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice 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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Rice?

Latin American grilling 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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