Grilled Pork Kebabs with Spiced Yogurt Marinade and Mint
Tender pork kebabs marinated in a spiced yogurt blend with garlic and cumin, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing mint garnish for a balanced, flavorful dish. This middle eastern-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic cloves 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
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh mint leaves
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill kebabs for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred on edges, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pork Kebabs with Spiced Yogurt Marinade and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Pork Kebabs with Spiced Yogurt Marinade and Mint?
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 Pork Kebabs with Spiced Yogurt Marinade and Mint?
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 Kebabs with Spiced Yogurt Marinade and Mint 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 Kebabs with Spiced Yogurt Marinade and Mint?
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.