Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork with Oaxaca Cheese Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled pork marinated in smoky mezcal paired with a fresh salsa featuring crumbled Oaxaca cheese and roasted chilies for a vibrant dish. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, mezcal, garlic cloves, minced 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 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mezcal, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Step 2: Toast 2 dried chipotle chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then soak in 1/4 cup hot water for 15 minutes until softened; finely chop and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the salsa by combining 1/2 cup crumbled Oaxaca cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and the chopped softened chipotle chilies in a bowl; mix gently.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled pork topped generously with the Oaxaca cheese salsa alongside warm tortillas or rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mezcal-Marinated Pork with Oaxaca Cheese 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 with Oaxaca Cheese 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 with Oaxaca Cheese 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 with Oaxaca Cheese 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 with Oaxaca Cheese 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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