
Grilled Pork Skewers with Charred Green Apple, Red Onion, and Cider-Mustard Sage Glaze
Original grilled pork skewers featuring juicy pork marinated with apple cider, garlic, and sage, grilled with green apple and red onion, then finished with a glossy mustard-honey glaze. A balanced grill recipe with smoky, sweet, and herbal notes.
Ingredients
- 700 g pork loin (cut into 1.25-inch cubes)
- 2 units green apple (cored, cut into thick wedges)
- 1 large unit red onion (cut into skewer-size chunks)
- 180 ml apple cider (divided)
- 45 ml Dijon mustard (divided)
- 30 ml honey (divided)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or finely minced)
- 8 g fresh sage (chopped)
- 5 g smoked paprika
- 15 ml apple cider vinegar
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 3 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
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. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F to 450°F (220°C to 230°C).
- 2
2. In a large bowl, combine 120 ml (1/2 cup) apple cider, 30 ml (2 tbsp) Dijon mustard, 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey, 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, the garlic, sage, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- 3
3. Add the pork loin to the bowl and toss well to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes in a cool place or refrigerated.
- 4
4. In another bowl, toss the green apple and red onion with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- 5
5. Thread the skewers, alternating pork cubes, red onion pieces, and green apple wedges until all ingredients are used.
- 6
6. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes so they brown evenly.
- 7
7. While they cook, make the glaze in a small saucepan or grill-safe skillet by combining the remaining 60 ml (1/4 cup) apple cider, 15 ml (1 tbsp) Dijon mustard, 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey, and the apple cider vinegar. Cook over medium heat until slightly reduced, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- 8
8. Brush the skewers with the glaze during the last 3 to 4 minutes of cooking, turning them so the glaze caramelizes without burning.
- 9
9. Check that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.
- 10
10. Serve the skewers hot, with any remaining glaze brushed over the top to highlight the charred apple, onion, and sage flavors.
Chef tips
For better grill marks, lightly pat the pork dry before threading and do not overcrowd the skewers. Cut the apple into thick pieces so it keeps its texture on the grill.
Substitutions
You can use pork loin or boneless pork leg. Sage can be replaced with fresh thyme, and apple cider can be swapped for unsweetened apple juice plus an extra teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
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 imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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
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