Half-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Dip

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

Tender pork skewers marinated halfway in a fragrant spice blend, grilled and served with a cooling spiced yogurt dip. This middle eastern-inspired pork ready in about 50 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, olive oil, ground cumin 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 280 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb cubed pork tenderloin and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While pork marinates, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated pork cubes evenly onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until pork is cooked through and edges have nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Serve hot with the spiced yogurt dip 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 Half-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Dip 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 Half-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Dip?

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 Half-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Dip?

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 Half-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Half-Marinated Pork Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Dip?

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.

Related recipes