Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Garlic and Thyme
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in a vibrant citrus and garlic mixture, threaded onto skewers with fresh thyme, and grilled to smoky perfection. This american-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 pounds, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin
- 1/2 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds cubed pork tenderloin to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your choice of sides.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers 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 Skewers with Garlic and Thyme 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 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.
