Grilled Regional-Spiced Pork Skewers with Citrus Glaze
Tender pork skewers marinated in a blend of regional spices and finished with a bright citrus glaze for a perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 3: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until pork is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice in a small bowl.
- Step 5: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the citrus glaze generously over the pork skewers and let it caramelize slightly.
- Step 6: Remove skewers from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Regional-Spiced Pork Skewers with Citrus Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Regional-Spiced Pork Skewers with Citrus Glaze?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Regional-Spiced Pork Skewers with Citrus Glaze?
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 Regional-Spiced Pork Skewers with Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Regional-Spiced Pork Skewers with Citrus Glaze?
Caribbean 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.
