Grilled Lime-Garlic Pork Skewers with Cilantro
Juicy pork skewers marinated in a zesty lime and garlic blend, grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright finish. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, lime juice, 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 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Step 5: Remove skewers from grill, sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro evenly over the pork, and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lime-Garlic Pork Skewers with Cilantro 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 Lime-Garlic Pork Skewers with Cilantro?
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 lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lime-Garlic Pork Skewers with Cilantro?
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 Lime-Garlic Pork Skewers with Cilantro 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 Lime-Garlic Pork Skewers with Cilantro?
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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