Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa
Tender pork marinated in smoky mezcal and spices, grilled on skewers and served with a fresh pineapple salsa to balance smoky and sweet flavors. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, mezcal, orange juice 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup mezcal
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mezcal, 1/4 cup orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Step 3: While pork marinates, prepare pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced seeded small jalapeño, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl; mix and refrigerate.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers.
- Step 5: Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until pork is cooked through with slight char marks.
- Step 6: Remove skewers and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with pineapple salsa spooned on top or on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa 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 Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?
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 Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?
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 Pineapple Salsa 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 Pineapple Salsa?
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.
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