Latin American Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Juicy grilled pork skewers marinated with garlic and citrus, served alongside a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This latin american-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, lime juice, olive oil 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb cubed pork shoulder with 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers evenly.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until the meat is cooked through and has nice char marks.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with generous spoonfuls of chimichurri sauce on top or on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Latin American Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce 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 Latin American Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

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 Latin American Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

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 Latin American Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce 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.

Is Latin American Grilled Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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