Grilled Pok Chuk Skewers with Spiced Garlic Marinade
Simple and flavorful Yucatecan-style grilled meat skewers marinated in garlic and spices, capturing the essence of traditional Pok Chuk. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pork tenderloin, garlic cloves, minced, ground cumin 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 220 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
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin into 1-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the bowl. Toss well to coat all pork pieces evenly and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread the pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the pork is nicely charred on the edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with warm tortillas or a fresh salsa.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pok Chuk Skewers with Spiced Garlic Marinade 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 Pok Chuk Skewers with Spiced Garlic Marinade?
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 Pok Chuk Skewers with Spiced Garlic Marinade?
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 Pok Chuk Skewers with Spiced Garlic Marinade 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 Pok Chuk Skewers with Spiced Garlic Marinade?
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.
