Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce
Tender pork marinated in bright citrus juices and herbs, grilled on skewers to smoky perfection and served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Prepare chimichurri by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil (reserved from marinade or fresh), 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
- Step 5: Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until pork is cooked through and nicely charred on the edges.
- Step 6: Serve skewers hot with a generous spoonful of chimichurri sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce 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 Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?
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 Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce 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 Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?
Latin 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.