Grilled Pork Kabobs with Smoky Paprika and Garlic

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

Tender pork chunks marinated in smoky paprika and garlic, skewered and grilled to juicy perfection, served with a fresh herb dipping sauce. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 82 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, smoked paprika, minced garlic cloves 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: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and toss until well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  3. Step 3: Grill the pork kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the edges are slightly charred and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a small bowl to create a cooling herb sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork kabobs hot with a side of the herb yogurt sauce for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pork Kabobs with Smoky Paprika and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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 Pork Kabobs with Smoky Paprika and Garlic?

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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pork Kabobs with Smoky Paprika and Garlic?

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 Pork Kabobs with Smoky Paprika and Garlic 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 Pork Kabobs with Smoky Paprika and Garlic?

Mediterranean 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.

Related recipes