Grilled Pork Poc Chuc with Tangy Orange Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Poc Chuc features thin pork marinated in a bright citrus and achiote sauce, then grilled to tender perfection with smoky edges, delivering a true taste of the Yucatan. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork shoulder thinly sliced, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp achiote paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until achiote dissolves and the marinade is uniform.
  2. Step 2: Place 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for deep flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the grill grates with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill slices in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are slightly charred and pork is cooked through but still juicy.
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, toss 1 medium thinly sliced white onion with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled pork topped with the onion-cilantro salad for a refreshing contrast and authentic Yucatecan flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pork Poc Chuc with Tangy Orange Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pork Poc Chuc with Tangy Orange Marinade?

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 pork shoulder thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pork Poc Chuc with Tangy Orange 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 Pork Poc Chuc with Tangy Orange 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 Pork Poc Chuc with Tangy Orange 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.

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