Grilled Citrus-Cumin Pork Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce

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

Tender pork marinated in bright citrus and warm cumin, grilled on skewers and served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast. This middle eastern-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends orange juice, tablespoons lime juice, tablespoons olive oil 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 310 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 Middle Eastern cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound cubed pork tenderloin to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, stir together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, and 1 teaspoon honey in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred on edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve the skewers with the mint yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Cumin Pork Skewers with Mint 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-Cumin Pork Skewers with Mint 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-Cumin Pork Skewers with Mint 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-Cumin Pork Skewers with Mint 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-Cumin Pork Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?

Middle Eastern 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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