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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
