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Savory Pork BBQ Skewers Recipe Easy Smoky Glaze for Perfect Grilling

savory pork bbq skewers - featured image

Juicy pork chunks grilled to perfection with a smoky, slightly sweet glaze that delivers nostalgic comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or festive BBQ gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from pork and cut into roughly 1.5-inch cubes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and chipotle chili powder if using.
  3. Toss pork cubes in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  5. Remove pork from marinade (reserve marinade for glazing) and thread cubes onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Preheat grill to about 400°F (205°C) and lightly oil grates.
  7. Grill skewers over direct heat for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade during the last few minutes to build a sticky glaze.
  8. Check pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  9. Let skewers rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving.

Notes

Marinate pork overnight for best flavor. Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning. Use a two-zone grilling method if possible to sear and then cook through. Watch for flare-ups due to sugary glaze and keep a spray bottle of water handy. Rest skewers before serving to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

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