Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy pork steaks marinated in bright citrus juices, grilled to perfection, and topped with a fresh pineapple salsa. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends about 6 oz each pork shoulder steaks, orange juice, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each pork shoulder steaks
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to form a marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 pork shoulder steaks (about 6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño (seeded), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove pork steaks from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and pork is nicely charred.
- Step 5: Let pork rest 5 minutes, then serve topped with the fresh pineapple salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork with Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork with Pineapple Salsa?
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 with Pineapple Salsa 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 with Pineapple Salsa?
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.