Grilled Hawaiian Bon Dance Pork Skewers

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

Tender pork skewers marinated in a sweet and savory glaze inspired by the festive bon dance flavors of Hawaii, perfect for summer outdoor gatherings. This hawaiian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, soy sauce, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 Hawaiian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves and marinade is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until edges are caramelized and pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill, sprinkle with 2 tbsp sliced green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Hawaiian Bon Dance Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Hawaiian Bon Dance Pork Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Hawaiian Bon Dance Pork Skewers?

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 Hawaiian Bon Dance Pork Skewers 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 Hawaiian Bon Dance Pork Skewers?

Hawaiian bbq & smoked 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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