Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

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

Juicy pork skewers marinated in a mixture of citrus juice, cumin, and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling yogurt and herb sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill the pork skewers for about 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until the pork is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with the herb yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce?

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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt 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 Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt 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 Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern bbq & smoked 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.