Hot, tangy, and full of that classic barbecue flavor, these grilled jerk pork tenderloin skewers (kebabs) are the perfect summertime meal. Throw a set of skewers on the grill while entertaining friends, or offer them at your next birthday party or family get-together.
If you're looking for a way to spice up your barbecue, these grilled pork skewers offer a unique flavor combination that goes beyond the usual hamburgers and hot dogs.
The jerk sauce adds a flavorful Jamaican-inspired kick that will make your guests feel like they're in the tropics. It's a potent combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices--not the usual backyard party fare, but a surprising taste sensation that will have your guests asking for more.
Skewering ensures even cooking and allows the pork to develop a nice char and smoky flavor. The skewers make this dish perfect for entertaining, as you can walk, talk, and eat at the same time!
It's a convenient option for weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings. If you love skewered food like me, I also have these melon prosciutto appetizer skewers and grilled mango on skewers.
Jump to:
Pork Skewer Ingredients
- pork tenderloin - Pork tenderloin is a prized, lean and tender cut of meat, ideal for quick grilling.
- olive oil - For the marinade.
- prepared jerk sauce - Marinating with the jerk sauce not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy and succulent kebabs. For convenience, I chose to buy a bottle of jerk sauce from the grocery store for this recipe, but nothing beats homemade. If you want to try it for yourself, check out my tutorial for how to make jerk sauce.
- salt - You can use table salt, pink Himalayan salt or kosher salt to season the pork.
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
How to Make These Pork Skewers
Step #1. Marinate. Combine chopped pork, ¾ cup jerk sauce, olive oil and some salt in a large zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step #2. Thread the pork. Thread the chopped pork onto skewers and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Step #3. Grill. Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375ºF-400ºF) and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145˚F.
Step #4. Rest. Remove the pork skewers from the grill, lightly tent with foil and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step #5. Serve. Serve with the remaining jerk sauce on the side.
Chef's Note: Try garnishing with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the visual appeal.
Joss' Tips
- Place the tenderloin in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing it. This will make it more firm and easier to cut into nice, uniform pieces.
- Use either tongs or a metal spatula to assist with turning the skewers on the grill.
- Use an instant read meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F for food safety purposes.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled skewers can be served as both an entrée or part of a larger meal along with more skewered food like these grilled shrimp rosemary skewers. They would also taste amazing with these grilled pineapple slices.
You can prepare bigger portions if you'd like it to be the main course, or stick with the classic recipe if you're going to toss it on the grill along with some bison steaks and hamburger patties.
As for drinks, try pairing it with this fruity Fog Cutter cocktail or mango ginger cocktail if you're serving alcohol, both of which contain rum. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic drink, serve up a pitcher of grilled pineapple juice.
When it comes to leftovers, you can throw the pieces on top of a salad, rice, in a pita or wrap and more.
Recipe FAQs
Over medium-high heat, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes to grill pork skewers, flipping once, plus a 3 minute rest time. The internal temperature should reach 145˚F.
Remove the pork from the skewers, place them in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Yes you can, but make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This will prevent them from burning too quickly and breaking apart on the grill.
More Pork Recipes You Will Love
If you tried this easy, no-hassle Grilled Pork Tenderloin Skewers (Kebabs) Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Skewers (Kebabs)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin - trimmed and cut into 1 ½” to 2” pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup jerk sauce - divided
- salt
Instructions
- Combine chopped pork, ¾ cup jerk sauce, olive oil and some salt in a large zip-top bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Thread the chopped pork onto skewers and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375ºF-400ºF) and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145˚F. (A wireless thermometer works great!)
- Remove the pork skewers from the grill, lightly tent with foil and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve with more jerk sauce on the side.
Notes
- Tip for cutting the pork: Place the tenderloin in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing it. This will make it more firm and easier to cut into nice, uniform pieces.
- Garnishes: Try garnishing with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the visual appeal.
- Bamboo skewers: You can use wooden skewers, but make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This will prevent them from burning too quickly and breaking apart on the grill.
- Flipping the skewers: Use either tongs or a metal spatula to assist with turning the skewers on the grill.
- How to store leftovers: Remove the pork from the skewers, place them in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
bigscoots says
Looks very good!