Grilled Guatemalan Pork Skewers with Achiote Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork marinated in an earthy achiote and citrus blend, grilled to smoky perfection and served with a fresh avocado salsa. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends achiote paste, orange juice, fresh, lime juice, fresh 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 410 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp achiote paste, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 pounds 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until nicely charred on the edges and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 medium diced tomato, 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño. Gently toss to make a fresh salsa.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled pork skewers topped with the avocado salsa alongside warm corn tortillas or rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Guatemalan Pork Skewers with Achiote Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Guatemalan Pork Skewers with Achiote Marinade?

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 Guatemalan Pork Skewers with Achiote Marinade?

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 Guatemalan Pork Skewers with Achiote Marinade 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 Guatemalan Pork Skewers with Achiote Marinade?

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.

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