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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
