Grilled Mayan Citrus Pork Poc Chuc
Tender pork marinated in a bright blend of sour orange juice and traditional spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced, sour orange juice, garlic cloves, minced 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. 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 shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sour orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp achiote paste
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sour orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp achiote paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, whisking until the achiote dissolves and mixture is smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds thinly sliced pork shoulder into the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and pat dry with paper towels to avoid flare-ups.
- Step 4: Brush grill grates with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill pork slices for 3-4 minutes per side until charred around edges and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove pork from grill and top with 1 medium thinly sliced white onion and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Mayan Citrus Pork Poc Chuc take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Mayan Citrus Pork Poc Chuc?
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 sour orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mayan Citrus Pork Poc Chuc?
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 Mayan Citrus Pork Poc Chuc 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 Mayan Citrus Pork Poc Chuc?
Mexican 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.
