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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
