Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spicy Chile Salsa
Tender pork skewers infused with smoky mezcal and grilled to perfection, served alongside a vibrant, spicy Oaxacan chile salsa. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, mezcal, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup mezcal
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 whole dried guajillo chiles
- 2 whole dried arbol chiles
- 1 small, quartered white onion
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, remove stems and seeds from 3 guajillo and 2 arbol chiles. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then soak in 1 cup hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Blend the softened chiles with 1 small quartered white onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth, adding soaking water as needed to make a thick salsa.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 5: Grill the pork skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 6: Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with the spicy chile salsa on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spicy Chile Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Mezcal-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spicy Chile Salsa?
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 Spicy Chile 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 Spicy Chile 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 Spicy Chile 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.
