Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and Garlic
Juicy pork tenderloin chunks marinated in a zesty citrus and garlic mixture, threaded onto skewers and grilled to smoky perfection, garnished with fresh mint. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs orange juice, freshly squeezed, lemon juice, freshly squeezed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully combined.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds of 1-inch cubed pork tenderloin to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing meat evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes, until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and develops a nice char.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves over the skewers before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and Garlic 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 Mint and Garlic?
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 lemon juice, freshly squeezed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and Garlic?
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 Mint and Garlic 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 Mint and Garlic?
Caribbean 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.
