Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Thyme
Juicy pork shoulder marinated in bright citrus juice, garlic, and fresh thyme, then grilled to a smoky finish perfect for slicing or shredding. This american-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless, trimmed pork shoulder, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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, boneless, trimmed pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard marinade.
- Step 4: Grill the pork shoulder for about 15 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness and the outside is nicely charred and caramelized.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly or shredding with forks. Serve with grilled vegetables or your choice of sides.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Garlic and Thyme?
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 fresh orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Shoulder with Garlic and Thyme?
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 Garlic and Thyme 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 Garlic and Thyme?
American 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.
