Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce
Tender pork cubes marinated in bright citrus juices and grilled to perfection, served with a cooling yogurt-tahini dipping sauce. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 30 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 350 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 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: While pork marinates, prepare the sauce by mixing 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and has charred grill marks.
- Step 5: Serve the pork skewers hot with the yogurt-tahini sauce on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Skewers with Yogurt-Tahini 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 Yogurt-Tahini 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 Yogurt-Tahini 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 Yogurt-Tahini 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 Yogurt-Tahini Sauce?
Middle Eastern 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.