Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Spiced Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork skewers marinated in citrus juice and warm cumin, grilled to perfection, and served with a cooling yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, orange juice, lemon juice 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 320 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb cubed pork shoulder, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  3. Step 3: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes until pork is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves and 1/4 cup grated, drained cucumber in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with a dollop of the cooling yogurt sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Spiced Pork Skewers with Yogurt 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 Grilled Citrus and Cumin-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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