Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder with Anoka-Style Spice Rub
A flavorful grilled pork shoulder marinated in bright citrus juices and seasoned with a spice rub inspired by Midwestern flavors, perfect for an outdoor cookout. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs orange juice, fresh, lemon juice, fresh, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, boneless, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 cup orange juice, fresh
- 1/2 cup lemon juice, fresh
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Add 3 lbs cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp ground black pepper, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to make the spice rub.
- Step 3: Remove pork from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over pork cubes, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread pork cubes onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred around edges.
- Step 5: Let meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with grilled vegetables or fresh salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder with Anoka-Style Spice Rub 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 with Anoka-Style Spice Rub?
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 with Anoka-Style Spice Rub?
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 with Anoka-Style Spice Rub for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 with Anoka-Style Spice Rub?
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.
