Grilled Pork Skewers Recipe: Char-Siu Glazed Bites With Smoky Depth

I’ve perfected the art of grilled pork skewers through years of experimenting with different marinades and grilling techniques. 🔥 The secret to achieving juicy results every time lies in proper marination and temperature control.

By following my simple recipe, you’ll be able to create deliciously flavorful pork skewers that are sure to impress at your next barbecue. The combination of aromatic spices and a hot grill will transform your outdoor cooking experience.

Ingredients for Grilled Pork Skewers

Simple ingredients come together to create juicy, flavorful pork skewers every time.

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The pork shoulder matters here. Look for well-marbled meat at your local butcher or Costco. Most grocery stores have pre-cubed options which save time. I usually grab mine from Whole Foods when I’m doing a big batch. The marinade is where the magic happens—don’t skip the fresh garlic.

No soy sauce? Coconut aminos are a great substitute. Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes to taste. The vegetables are flexible—use whatever’s in season. Trader Joe’s usually has great pre-cut options. If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

These skewers reheat beautifully on the grill or in a skillet. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Pork Skewers

Here’s the method that delivers perfectly juicy and flavorful skewers every time.

👨‍🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Protein

Start by making the marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine the 4 cloves garlic cloves, 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 tbsp Brown Sugar, 1 tsp Ground Ginger, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a large bowl. I like to use a glass bowl for marinating as it won’t react with the acidic ingredients.

Add the 1.5 lb Pork Shoulder (cut into 1-inch cubes) to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your pork will be.

🔥 Step 2: Preheat Grill and Prepare Vegetables

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, prepare your vegetables. Cut the 2 whole Red Bell Pepper into cubes, the 1 whole Yellow Onion into wedges, and the 1 whole Zucchini into thick rounds. I like to keep the vegetables chunky so they hold their shape on the skewers.

Thread the marinated pork and vegetables onto the 12 pieces Bamboo Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes). Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Brush the skewers with 0.25 cup Olive Oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.

🔥 Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and the juices run clear. If you prefer a bit more char, leave them on for an extra 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Brush with any remaining marinade (that hasn’t been in contact with raw meat) or a bit more olive oil if needed. Garnish with 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro and serve immediately. The aroma of grilled pork and vegetables will be irresistible!

👨‍🍳 Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the grilled pork skewers hot, straight from the grill. They’re perfect as a main dish or paired with your favorite sides like rice or salad. I like to serve them with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

These skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in the microwave until warmed through. Enjoy your delicious and juicy grilled pork skewers!

Make-Ahead Tips for This Grilled Pork Skewers

Advance Preparation Tips

To save time on grilling day, prepare your marinade and chop vegetables a day ahead. Store the marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also thread the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until grilling. 🔥

Marinating Strategies

For maximum flavor, marinate the pork for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating will add significant flavor. Use a non-reactive container like glass or ceramic for marinating.

Skewer Assembly Ahead

Assemble your skewers up to 24 hours before grilling. Store them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This makes grilling day a breeze as everything is ready to go.

Grill Preparation

Preheat your grill on the day of cooking while you’re threading the skewers. Make sure it’s clean and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. I like to use avocado oil for its high smoke point.

Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, reheat them gently on the grill or in a skillet over low heat. You can also microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 30-60 seconds. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to refresh the flavors.