Grilled Harissa Pork Skewers with Yogurt Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with the yogurt cucumber sauce on the side for dipping.
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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