Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Citrus and Chili
Juicy pork skewers marinated in smoky mezcal with fresh citrus and chili, grilled to perfection with a vibrant, spicy finish. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, mezcal, fresh orange juice 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 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup mezcal
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried guajillo chile powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried guajillo chile powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Whisk to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing meat evenly.
- Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Citrus and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Citrus and Chili?
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 mezcal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Citrus and Chili?
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 Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Citrus and Chili 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 Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Citrus and Chili?
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.
