Grilled Salvadoran-Inspired Pork Skewers with Citrus and Garlic Marinade
Juicy pork chunks marinated in a bright citrus and garlic sauce, skewered and grilled to smoky perfection with a hint of oregano and chili. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, fresh lime juice, orange juice 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 350 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 1/2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 1/2 lbs cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly; cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 4: Thread marinated pork cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 5: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until pork is cooked through with a slight char and juices run clear.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with warm tortillas or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Salvadoran-Inspired Pork Skewers with Citrus and Garlic Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Salvadoran-Inspired Pork Skewers with Citrus and 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 Salvadoran-Inspired Pork Skewers with Citrus and 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 Salvadoran-Inspired Pork Skewers with Citrus and 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 Salvadoran-Inspired Pork Skewers with Citrus and Garlic Marinade?
Latin American 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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