Mezcal-Rubbed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

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

Tender pork skewers marinated in smoky mezcal and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh pineapple and cilantro salsa. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, mezcal, garlic cloves, minced 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, mix 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño (if using) in a bowl. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until nicely charred on edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with fresh pineapple salsa spooned over the top or on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mezcal-Rubbed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Mezcal-Rubbed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Mezcal-Rubbed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Mezcal-Rubbed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa 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 Mezcal-Rubbed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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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