These pork tenderloin kebabs are marinated in a lemon, olive oil, garlic and honey sauce with fresh herbs making them so tender and juicy. Then taking to the next level with a super tasty pineapple mint salsa that adds such a fresh and tangy flavour to these pork kebabs.
When I made this dish, I wanted to keep it fresh, light and super flavourful, keeping in mind the Mediterranean and Asian inspired flavours. An easy dish that can be prepared ahead of time and cooked within 10 minutes.
Using pork tenderloin for these kebabs is ideal for juicy and tender results. It’s so important not to overcook your pork since it can end up with chewy and dry. Pork tenderloin can be forgiving but it would be a shame for such a perfect cut of meat.
The pineapple salsa reminds me of the tropical islands with it’s sweet pineapple, and then the fresh mint adds a distinct sweet cool freshness all on it’s own. It is a perfect salsa to add to grilled meats, poultry and fish.
RECIPE TIPS AND INGREDIENTS:
Pork Tenderloin is the ideal choice for juicy and tender kebabs. You can also use a pork loin for kebabs for best results. They are both lean meats and the lemon juice and olive oil will further tenderize the meat.
Marinade used for this recipe consists of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, ginger, fresh rosemary, salt and pepper. All of these ingredients adds pungent flavours and the lemon is known to enhance the flavours of each ingredient.
Pineapple Mint Salsa has of course pineapple, then red pepper, shallots, cider vinegar, honey, fresh mint and parsley. All of these ingredients were based on a specific flavour that would be refreshing with the pineapple, slight sweetness by adding honey, and the mint takes it to the next level. When all put together it gives this salsa a punch of flavours!
HOW TO MAKE THIS DELICIOUS MEAL
This recipe is so easy to make and the results are absolutely scrumptious! Once the pork is cut into 1 inch chunks, mix together the marinade and pour it over the pork and toss to coat. Then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
In a medium bowl, add diced pineapple, red pepper, shallots, apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh mint and parsley for the pineapple salsa, and stir thoroughly to combine all of the ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Heat grill, while grill is heating, thread the pork onto skewers and place on a barbecue or indoor grill for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway. Remove the pork from the grill and serve on a bed of rice with grilled vegetables and pineapple salsa.
This summertime salsa adds a fresh, light flavour with sweetness that isn’t overpowering. It makes a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, poultry and fish.
FAQ
Can I marinade the pork for 30 minutes or an hour instead of a mimimum of 2 hours? You can, however the longer you marinade the pork the more flavourful it will be and the lemon acts as a tenderizer. Just keep that in mind when you make this recipe.
If I don’t have fresh ginger, can I use powdered ginger? Yes you can, that has happened to me too when I didn’t have fresh ginger so the powdered can be easily substituted by using 1/2 teaspoon. If you really like the flavour of ginger, you can add a little more.
Serve this dish with a bed of basamati or brown rice, and grilled vegetables of your choice for the summertime feel. This meal can be prepared the morning of and cooked within 10 minutes, while you are sitting back having cocktails with your guests. Enjoy!
Grilled Pork Kebabs with Pineapple Mint Salsa
Equipment
- Outdoor or indoor grill
Ingredients
Pork Kabobs:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (substitued 1/2 tsp powdered ginger)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- black pepper
Pineapple Salsa:
- 2 cups pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup red pepper, diced
- 4 tbsp shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, or zip-lock bag, add the pork loin chunks (to avoid the bag from flopping over when adding the marinade, place in a bowl).
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, ginger, rosemary, salt and pepper for the marinade. Then pour over the pork and thoroughly stir the marinade with the pork and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, covered.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together diced pineapple, red pepper, shallots, apple cider vinegar, honey, mint and parsley. Refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be made hours before serving to enhance the flavours.
- Heat grill, while grill is heating, thread the pork onto skewers and place on a barbecue or indoor grill for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway. Remove the pork from the grill and serve on a bed of rice with grilled vegetables and pineapple salsa.
