
Grilled Pork Skewers with Plums, Fennel, and Rosemary Orange Molasses Marinade
Original grilled pork skewers with a sweet-savory herbal profile: fresh plums, fennel, and red onion are grilled with a bright orange, rosemary, garlic, and molasses marinade for juicy, caramelized edges.
Ingredients
- 600 g pork loin, cut into 1.25-inch cubes (without exceso of grasa)
- 3 pieces firm red plums (cut en 8 wedges each a)
- 250 g fennel bulb (en trozos gruesos)
- 180 g red onion (en cuadros large)
- 80 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cda orange zest (solo the parte orange)
- 20 ml molasses (for profundidad and caramelización)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 cda fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 15 ml apple cider vinegar (equilibra the dulzor)
- 7 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cdas fresh parsley (chopped, for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
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
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400 °F / 205 °C.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, molasses, 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, rosemary, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the marinade is well combined.
- 3
Add the pork to the bowl and toss to coat completely in the marinade. Let it stand for 15 minutes in a cool spot while you prepare the vegetables and fruit.
- 4
In another bowl, toss the fennel, red onion, and plums with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil so they brown evenly.
- 5
Thread the skewers, alternating pork, fennel, red onion, and plum wedges until all ingredients are used, leaving a little space between pieces so heat can circulate.
- 6
Clean and lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers on the grill at 400 °F / 205 °C and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes so they cook evenly and caramelize.
- 7
During the last 2 minutes, brush the skewers with any marinade juices left in the bowl only if you first boil them for 1 minute in a small saucepan; then use them as a safe glaze.
- 8
Remove the skewers when the pork is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 145 °F / 63 °C, followed by a 3-minute rest. The fennel should be tender and the plums lightly charred at the edges.
- 9
Transfer the skewers to a platter, sprinkle with the fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Chef tips
For better caramelization, lightly pat the pork dry with paper towels before mixing it with the marinade. If the plums are very ripe, thread them carefully so they do not fall apart on the grill.
Substitutions
You can swap the plums for firm nectarines and the fennel for thick zucchini pieces. Molasses can be replaced with maple syrup, though the flavor will be less deep.
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 imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox 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
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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