Smoky Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Tender pork marinated and grilled with smoky seasonings, served alongside a vibrant chimichurri that highlights regional Brazilian flavors. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder 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 450 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 Brazilian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1.5 lbs cubed pork shoulder with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri by blending 1 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 3 garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup olive oil in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Serve the pork skewers hot with a generous drizzle of the chimichurri sauce, enhancing the smoky, herby flavors characteristic of Brazilian regional cuisine.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce 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 Smoky Brazilian 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 Smoky Brazilian 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 Smoky Brazilian 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.

What goes well with Smoky Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

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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