Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Pork Skewers with Annatto Oil

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

Tender pork skewers marinated in a tangy vinegar and garlic mixture, grilled to smoky perfection and brushed with vibrant annatto oil. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs white vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup white vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds 1-inch cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare annatto oil by heating 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons annatto seeds and cook gently for 5 minutes until oil turns bright orange-red and fragrant. Strain out seeds and set oil aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated pork cubes onto soaked bamboo skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While grilling, brush the pork generously with annatto oil for vibrant color and flavor.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with steamed rice and dipping sauce if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Pork Skewers with Annatto Oil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Pork Skewers with Annatto Oil?

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 white vinegar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Pork Skewers with Annatto Oil?

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 Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Pork Skewers with Annatto Oil 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 Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Pork Skewers with Annatto Oil?

Filipino 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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