Grilled Harissa Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce

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

Spiced harissa-marinated pork skewers grilled to juicy perfection and served with a cooling yogurt and cucumber sauce. This middle eastern-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes blends tablespoons harissa paste, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon 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 400 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons harissa paste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between pieces for even cooking.
  3. Step 3: Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until pork is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a small bowl to make a refreshing sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with the yogurt cucumber sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Harissa Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Harissa 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 Harissa 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 Harissa 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 Harissa Pork Skewers with 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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