Sweet and Tangy Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers
Grilled pork skewers brushed with a bright citrus and honey glaze, delivering a juicy, balanced flavor with a playful twist on classic BBQ. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces.
- Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes and basting with remaining marinade, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. These skewers offer a bright, sweet, and tangy bite perfect for summer cookouts or casual dinners.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Tangy Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sweet and Tangy Citrus-Glazed 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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Tangy Citrus-Glazed 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 Sweet and Tangy Citrus-Glazed 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 Sweet and Tangy Citrus-Glazed Pork Skewers?
American 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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