Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder
Juicy pork shoulder marinated in a zesty blend of fresh citrus juices and spices, then grilled to caramelized perfection. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs orange juice, fresh, lime juice, fresh, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh
- 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs of 1-inch cubed boneless pork shoulder to the marinade. Toss well to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until edges are caramelized and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with warm tortillas or rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder 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 Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder?
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, fresh from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder?
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 Shoulder 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 Shoulder?
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.
