Grilled Spiced Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork skewers marinated in warm Brazilian spices and grilled to perfection, served with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, minced garlic cloves, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs 1-inch cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat. Marinate at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/3 cup olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt to taste.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated pork cubes onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Serve the skewers hot with generous spoonfuls of fresh chimichurri sauce on top or on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Spiced Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri 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 Spiced Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Spiced Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri?

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 Spiced Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri 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 Spiced Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri?

Brazilian 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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