Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Poc Chuc with Pickled Onion Salsa

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

Thin slices of pork marinated in a bright citrus and achiote mixture, grilled to smoky perfection and served with a fresh pickled red onion salsa. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs pork loin, thinly sliced, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp achiote paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 lbs thinly sliced pork loin in a shallow dish and pour the citrus-achiote marinade over it, turning to coat. Marinate for at least 2 hours refrigerated.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork slices for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Arrange grilled pork on a platter and top with 1 cup pickled red onions mixed with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Poc Chuc with Pickled Onion Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Marinated Pork Poc Chuc with Pickled Onion 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 loin, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Poc Chuc with Pickled Onion 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Poc Chuc with Pickled Onion 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Poc Chuc with Pickled Onion Salsa?

Mexican 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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