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    Home » Recipes » Grilled

    Pork Kabobs

    Author: Peter Kolesnichenko · Published: Jul 13, 2022

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    These Pork Kabobs won't disappoint. You'll love the easy marinade, juicy and tender. This meat skewer recipe will delight your guests this grilling season. Popular for parties, bbqs or family gatherings on a long weekend.

    meat kabob skewers on a cutting board
    basil onion and spices on table
    marinating pork pieces into ziploc bag

    There are many ways to prepare Shish Kabobs, most cultures have their own versions. Russians and Eastern Europeans love eating Lamb Shashlik grilled over hot coals. Greeks have their Chicken Souvlaki, Japanese make Yakitori, and Malaysians Satay. Everyone loves meat skewers!

    Ingredients You'll Need

    • pork shoulder
    • fresh basil
    • onion
    • salt
    • pepper
    • water

    Best Pork Cut for Kabobs

    There are two cuts of pork which work great for this recipe. As pictured, we used pork shoulder for flavor.

    • Pork Shoulder - tender, juicier and more flavorful because of the fat (more like a chicken thigh). This includes Pork Steak, Boneless Pork Shoulder and Pork Neck Fillet
    • Pork Tenderloin - leaner meat, slightly drier and not as juicy (more like a chicken breast). Be careful not to overcook as it will be dry.
    fresh basil chopped in chopper
    2 men holding skewers

    How to Make Pork Kabobs

    1. Prepare the Meat - Chop the pork shoulder into 1½" cubes. Try to keep the meat sizes the same, so they cook evenly
    2. Slice Onions and Basil - Cut onion in half and thinly slice. Finely chop the basil
    3. Massage - Place the onions and basil into a Ziploc bag. Massage them inside the bag to release flavors and juices
    4. Marinate - Mix the pork cubes with the onions until evenly coated. Place in the fridge overnight for flavors to meld together
    5. Thread - Skewer the pork pieces evenly on a metal skewer. Don't pack them too tightly together
    6. Grill - it's always best to use a charcoal fire. Light fire and wait for coals to burn white. Place the pork skewers over the coals, flipping over as they cook. Serve with your favorite sides
    slicing pork shoulder with a knife
    pouring water into meat marinade

    Metal vs Wooden Skewers

    Metal Skewers - when grilling over charcoals, metal skewers are always recommended. They are re-usable, sustainable, easy to clean and perfect when cooking over hot coals. Plus they don't burn and are easy to hold.

    Wooden Skewers - soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use. Wooden skewers often burn and are only recommended for gas bbq grilling, air fryer or pan frying.

    Cooking Pork Kabobs

    Not everyone has the time to cook kabobs over hot charcoals. Here are some alternative cooking methods.

    Bbq Gas Grill Method

    1. Heat gas grill to medium high. Spray grill with cooking spray.
    2. Place skewers on hot grill, it might stick to grill before turning.
    3. Kabobs will start to char, turn skewers several times until cooked.

    Grill Pan Method

    1. Spray griddle pan with cooking spray.
    2. Heat pan over medium high heat. Place wooden skewered pork on the hot pan.
    3. Turn kabobs over several times until cooked.

    Oven Method

    1. Pre-heat oven to 375°F/190°C and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Place skewers about 1 inch apart from each other and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning a few times until cooked.
    3. Finish with a quick broil to brown your skewers.

    Air Fryer Method

    1. Check length wooden skewers so they fit into the Air Fryer tray, cut if needed before soaking skewers in water. The tray will fit 4-6 skewers.
    2. Pre-heat Air Fryer to 200°F/400°C and place skewers in tray.
    3. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning over once halfway.
    4. Kabobs are cooked when internal temp reaches 160°F/71°C.
    threading skewers with meat
    skewered kebabs cooking over grill

    Recipe Tips and FAQs

    • Add Vegetables - add vegetables between the meat pieces on the skewers. Ensure they are cut the same size as the pork to ensure even cooking. Try zucchini, cherry tomatoes and onion
    • Don't rush the marinating - it's best to marinate the night before for best flavors. However, if you are in a hurry, you can marinate for 4 hours before cooking
    • Prepare the meat in advance - Timesaving tip: If you ever get pork on sale, cut them into cubes and freeze them in a Ziploc bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer so it's easier to defrost.
    • Enlist Volunteers - grab your guests, family, children to help skewer the pork. Many hands make light work, especially if you are doubling or tripling the recipe to feed a crowd!
    • Change the Meat - Don't eat pork, no problem! Substitute with beef, lamb or chicken
    • Double the recipe - Trust me, you'll want leftovers!

    How Do I Know Pork is Cooked?

    Cooking meat to the correct temperature can be tricky. Always use a meat thermometer to check pork skewers. If you cook it too long, it becomes rubbery.

    Pork is technically cooked at 145°F/63°C if you let the meat rest for 3-4 minutes before serving (as per USDA). If you are serving pork right away (like you often do with skewers) cook it to 160°F/71°C but no higher.

    How to Reheat Pork Kabobs

    • Air Fryer - easy and crisps up nicely
    • Oven - spread evenly on a baking tray and reheat
    • Frying Pan - heat frying pan, add pork then a splash of water while it heats through
    • Microwave - quick and easy, minimal mess
    skewered kebabs cooking over grill

    What to Serve with Kabobs

    Like any bbq, serve with your favorite summer sides, or enjoy as part of a Greek Meze Feast! Here is some inspiration for your next bbq party.

    Sauces

    • Tzatziki Sauce
    • Yogurt Garlic Sauce for Kabobs

    Salads

    • Olivier Potato Salad
    • 7 Bean Salad for Parties
    • Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

    Grilled

    • Bbq Corn on the Husk
    • Grilled Zucchini
    • Skewered Chicken Wings

    This is my cousin Victor's Pork Shish Kabob recipe, with fresh basil as the secret for the amazing taste. You're going to love this Pork Shashlik. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

    Pork Kabobs

    You'll love these easy Pork Kabobs, juicy and tender. This meat skewer recipe will delight your guests this grilling season. These Shish kabobs are popular for parties, bbqs or family gatherings on a long weekend. Handy video instructions.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Eastern European, Mediterranean
    Keyword: Pork Kabobs, Pork Shish Kabobs
    Servings: 4 people

    Equipment

    • Charcoal grill/Bbq
    • metal skewers

    Ingredients

    • 2 lbs /1kg pork shoulder
    • 3 tablespoons fresh basil finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoons black pepper
    • 1 large onion thinly sliced
    • water

    Instructions

    • Cut pork shoulder into 1½ inch cubes.
    • Put the thinly sliced onions, chopped basil, salt and pepper into a Ziploc bag. Gently knead/massage the ingredients to release juices and flavors.
    • Place the cubed pork into the Ziploc bag and mix together until evenly coated. Add enough water to meet the top of the pork mixture (about 1 cup).
    • Refrigerate to marinate overnight. If in a hurry then minimum 4 hours.
    • Thread the meat on the metal skewers, about 4 or 5 pieces.
    • Prepare the charcoal grill (mangal). Light the charcoal burn about 20-30 minutes. When charcoal is white, you're ready to cook.
    • Place skewers on the charcoal grill and cook until meat is done. Cooking time is determined by the heat, size of meat and height from the charcoal. Don't burn your meat! Keep turning the pork kabobs as it cooks, so it doesn't burn. Pork is cooked at 160°F/71°C.

    Video

    Tried this recipe?Mention @petersfoodadventures or tag #petersfoodadventures!

    ©PetersFoodAdventures.com

    skewered kebabs cooking over grill
    skewered kebabs cooking over grill
    skewered kebabs cooking over grill

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Boris

      February 23, 2023 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Tried this recently and tasty indeed. Super easy and fast.
      Thank you for posting this 👍🏼

      Reply
    2. Gregory T.

      September 04, 2022 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been watching kabob videos all day and this one looks super easy.
      Will have to give this one a try very soon!
      Thanks Peter!!

      Reply
      • Peter Kolesnichenko

        September 04, 2022 at 9:34 pm

        So good! Hope you love the recipe!

        Reply
    3. Vitaly from Sacramento

      July 28, 2022 at 11:29 pm

      5 stars
      Just commented and forgot to select 5 stars

      Reply
      • Peter Kolesnichenko

        July 29, 2022 at 11:36 am

        lol - thanks Vitaly! So glad you guys loved it, and appreciated the stars too! 👍🏻

        Reply
    4. Vitality from Sacramento

      July 28, 2022 at 11:27 pm

      Pork shoulder was so juicy!
      And the basil goes perfectly with it. Loved it and I think this will be a family favourite now

      Reply
    5. Paul

      July 21, 2022 at 10:22 pm

      5 stars
      I couldnt help but add a little chilli to mine... combined with basil.. amazing!

      Reply
      • Peter Kolesnichenko

        July 23, 2022 at 9:13 pm

        That's a great idea! I love adding a bit of spice too!

        Reply
    6. Yelena and Wally

      July 18, 2022 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      OMG!!! THE BEST SHASHLIC!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!

      Reply
    7. Robert Lush

      July 18, 2022 at 4:51 am

      5 stars
      Thanks Peter what a winner this will be a keeper loved the automatic rotisserie gadget

      Reply
    8. Robert

      July 17, 2022 at 6:20 am

      5 stars
      I was little cautious so I did a small batch. Well it turned out just wonderful!! The flavours came through nicely. I had to watch and make sure I didn't burn them. But my goodness it was delicious! Thanks Peter

      Reply
      • Peter Kolesnichenko

        July 17, 2022 at 2:58 pm

        So glad you loved them! Perfect for the summertime!

        Reply
      • Nadia from Florida

        July 22, 2022 at 8:22 am

        5 stars
        This was definitely a keeper, turned out delicious!! I followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect. I was skeptical of the amount of black pepper but it was just right. Thank you for this great recipe, we will be making again!

        Reply
        • Peter Kolesnichenko

          July 23, 2022 at 9:16 pm

          So glad to hear! Thanks for the positive feedback! 🙂

          Reply
    9. Tony

      July 13, 2022 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe! Definitely a favorite

      Reply
      • Peter Kolesnichenko

        July 13, 2022 at 4:10 pm

        Thanks Tony! You can't go wrong with pork skewers!! I'm sure it's the charcoal fire that makes the difference! Yum!!

        Reply
    10. Jimbo

      July 13, 2022 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      I just made these the other day, so easy it was and tasted amazing!!!
      Basil goes so well with pork YUM!!!
      I can’t wait for more meat recipes posted on here 😊😊

      Reply
      • Peter Kolesnichenko

        July 13, 2022 at 4:09 pm

        Thanks Jimbo! I think fresh basil is what elevates the flavors in this recipe! So good!!! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

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    Peter's Food Adventures - where you'll find Russian recipes, Slavic and International favorites with some fun travel and cooking videos. A Russian Food Blogger.

    Hi, I'm Peter!

    Are you looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen? Let me show you how to create tasty meals for your family!

    Food is the ingredient that brings people together. I love authentic foods, and have a very multicultural food background. I am genuinely happy to share the recipes of foods that make me and my family happy. And hopefully yours too. 

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