Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and Yogurt Sauce
Tender pork loin cubes marinated in a bright citrus blend, grilled to juicy perfection, and served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast. This mediterranean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes blends orange juice, lemon juice, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork loin, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp honey
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs pork loin cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred at edges (internal temperature 145°F).
- Step 6: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve skewers with the chilled mint yogurt sauce for dipping, garnished with extra mint if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and 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-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and 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-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and 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-Marinated Pork Skewers with Mint and Yogurt Sauce?
Mediterranean grilling 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.