Wood-Fired Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Succulent pork skewers grilled over wood fire and served with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce, a regional Brazilian classic. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, smoked paprika 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 370 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs pork shoulder cubes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper; toss to evenly coat and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, prepare chimichurri by mixing 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced shallot, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and 2 tbsp water in a bowl; season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a wood-fired grill or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread pork cubes onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking.
  5. Step 5: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes, until the exterior is charred and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the fresh chimichurri sauce spooned generously over the pork.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Brazilian Pork Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Wood-Fired 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 Wood-Fired 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 Wood-Fired 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 Wood-Fired 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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