Grilled Pork Skewers with Zucchini, Cherries, and Smoked Paprika Balsamic Thyme Marinade
🔥 Grilled
Intermediate

Grilled Pork Skewers with Zucchini, Cherries, and Smoked Paprika Balsamic Thyme Marinade

Original grilled pork skewers made with pork loin marinated in an aromatic blend of smoked paprika, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme, threaded with zucchini and fresh cherries for a juicy, sweet, and lightly tangy contrast on the grill.

30 minPrep
14 minCook
44 minTotal
4Servings
Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 700 g pork loin, cubed (1.25 inch)
  • 250 g zucchini (en medias lunas gruesas)
  • 180 g fresh cherries (boneless)
  • 120 g red onion (en trozos large)
  • 60 ml balsamic vinegar (for the adobo)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided entre adobo and acabado)
  • 12 g garlic (finely chopped)
  • 8 g smoked paprika (dulce or agridulce)
  • 6 g fresh thyme (solo the leaves)
  • 15 ml honey (for equilibrar the acidez)
  • 8 g salt (or to taste)
  • 3 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 piece skewers (of madera remojados or metálicos)

Nutrition facts

per serving

332 kcal
Calories
33 g
Protein
11 g
Carbs
16 g
Fat
1.8 g
Fiber
9.2 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Sulfites

Instructions

  1. 1

    If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until a smooth marinade forms.

  3. 3

    Add the pork loin cubes to the bowl and toss well to coat completely with the marinade. Let rest for 15 minutes in a cool place or refrigerated.

  4. 4

    While the pork marinates, place the zucchini, red onion, and cherries in another bowl. Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and a small extra pinch of salt, then toss gently.

  5. 5

    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425 °F / 220 °C. Clean and lightly oil the grates.

  6. 6

    Assemble the skewers, alternating pork loin, zucchini, red onion, and cherries until all ingredients are used.

  7. 7

    Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 12 to 14 minutes at 425 °F / 220 °C, turning every 3 to 4 minutes so the pork browns evenly and the vegetables get grill marks.

  8. 8

    Remove the skewers when the pork is fully cooked and reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F / 63 °C. Let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.

  9. 9

    Serve the skewers hot, enjoying the pork juices, lightly caramelized cherries, and the aroma of thyme and smoked paprika.

Chef tips

For better browning, lightly pat the surface of the pork dry before threading it onto the skewers. If the cherries are very ripe, place them between pieces of pork and onion so they stay in place more easily. You can also reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade before adding the meat to brush over the skewers at the end of cooking.

Substitutions

You can substitute the pork loin with cubed turkey breast, the cherries with firm black grapes, and the thyme with fresh rosemary. If you do not have balsamic vinegar, use red wine vinegar plus 1 extra teaspoon of honey.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Wooden cutting boardIllustrative image

    Teakhaus Teak Cutting Board

    Stable base for chopping

    • Stable surface for chopping
    • Gentle on your knife edge
    • Hand-wash and let it dry
    View on Amazon

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