
Grilled Pork Skewers with Cauliflower, Red Onion, and Maple-Ancho Miso Glaze
Original pork loin skewers glazed with a balanced mix of maple, ancho chile, and miso, paired with lightly charred cauliflower and red onion. They deliver smoky, sweet, and umami flavors, perfect for a distinctive cookout.
Ingredients
- 600 g pork loin (cut into 1.25-inch cubes)
- 400 g cauliflower (in medium florets)
- 200 g red onion (cut into large chunks)
- 45 g white miso (for the glaze)
- 60 ml maple syrup (pure)
- 8 g ancho chile powder (adjust to taste)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 9 g garlic (finely grated or minced)
- 10 g fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 g ground cumin (for depth)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 4 g salt (or to taste)
- 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped, for finishing)
- 9 g sesame seeds (toasted, for serving)
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
Instructions
- 1
1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- 2
2. In a bowl, whisk together the white miso, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt until you have a thick, even glaze.
- 3
3. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the glaze for finishing. Place the pork loin in the remaining glaze and toss well to coat. Let it marinate for 15 minutes in a cool place or refrigerated.
- 4
4. In another bowl, toss the cauliflower and red onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil and an extra pinch of salt so they grill evenly.
- 5
5. Thread the skewers, alternating pork loin, cauliflower, and red onion until all ingredients are used.
- 6
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425 °F / 220 °C. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- 7
7. Grill the skewers for 14 to 18 minutes total, turning every 3 to 4 minutes for even browning. During the last 4 minutes, brush with the reserved glaze.
- 8
8. Cook until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 °F / 63 °C and the cauliflower is tender with charred edges.
- 9
9. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes. Finish with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Chef tips
For deeper caramelization, avoid moving the skewers too soon; let each side stay on the grill long enough to develop good char marks. For extra heat, add an additional pinch of ancho chile to the finishing glaze.
Substitutions
You can substitute the pork loin with boneless chicken thigh, adjusting cooking until it reaches 165 °F / 74 °C. White miso can be replaced with yellow miso for a deeper flavor. Cilantro can be swapped for chives if you prefer a milder finish.
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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