Pork & Potato Skewers: the Mouth-Wathering Recipe for a Succulent and Fragrant Main Course

Pork & Potato Skewers are a delicious and appetizing main course, ideal for a tasty dinner that will win everyone over. To make them we seasoned the pork slices with salt and pepper, before placing them on the skewers and alternating them with potatoes, onion rings and sliced bacon; the skewers will then be brushed with a sauce made with ketchup, soy sauce, mustard and honey. At the end of the preparation you will obtain a succulent and aromatic mega-skewer, ready to be enjoyed hot.

What are Pork & Potato Skewers?

Skewers, a culinary technique with ancient roots, have been a method for cooking meat and vegetables dating back to prehistoric times, likely originating from the need to cook smaller pieces of food quickly over a fire. The use of skewers is prevalent in many cultures, each adding its local flavors and ingredients to create a diverse range of grilled delights. Pork and potato skewers are a hearty variation, combining the savory richness of pork with the earthy tones of potatoes, enhanced by onions and a flavorful marinade. This dish, which also incorporates bacon for added depth and a glaze of soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, and honey, offers a succulent and robust main course that is both satisfying and emblematic of the versatility of skewered meals. Perfect for gatherings, these skewers bring together simple ingredients in a delicious symphony of flavors, baked to perfection and ready to captivate any palate.

Tips to Obtain the Best Pork & Potato Skewers

– To ensure that the potatoes cook through evenly and match the cooking time of the pork and bacon, you can pre-cook the potato slices slightly before skewering. Parboiling them for about 5 minutes will soften them up just enough.

– For deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork cutlets in the soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, and honey mixture for a few hours or overnight. This will infuse the pork with more flavor and tenderness.

– To ensure the pork is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be safe and tender.

– Baste the skewers a few times during the final 20 minutes of cooking. This will not only add more flavor but also give the skewers a nice glaze and keep them moist.

– You can easily substitute the pork with chicken or beef, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Chicken thighs, for instance, are a good choice as they remain juicy when cooked.

– Replace pork and bacon with thick slices of halloumi or tofu for a vegetarian version. Both options grill well and can be marinated in the same way as the pork.

– If you enjoy a bit of heat, add chili flakes or a bit of sriracha to the marinade. This will give the skewers a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the honey.

– Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

– Experiment with other marinade ingredients such as teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even a bit of lemon zest and garlic for a different flavor profile.

What Cuts of Pork Are Best for Skewers?

When selecting pork for skewers, the ideal cuts are those that blend tenderness with flavor and can withstand high-heat cooking without drying out. Pork tenderloin stands out as a top choice due to its softness and lean quality, making it perfect for quick grilling. For a juicier option, pork shoulder offers a richer flavor because of its higher fat content, though it requires slightly longer cooking to achieve tenderness. Pork belly, another flavorful option, becomes exceptionally tender as its fat renders out, enriching the skewers. Alternatively, pork loin provides a balance of leanness and moisture, while rib meat, cut from spare or baby back ribs, also works well, bringing a traditional rib flavor to the skewers. Marinating these cuts enhances moisture and taste, ensuring they remain succulent upon cooking.

How Do I Know When The Skewers are Cooked?

To determine when pork skewers are fully cooked, look for clear signs that the pork has reached a safe and succulent state. The pork should have a slight firmness to the touch, and the juices should run clear when pierced. A reliable method is to use a meat thermometer; pork is safely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Additionally, the outside should display a golden-brown color with some slight char marks from the grilling or baking process. Observing these indicators will help you serve perfectly cooked skewers every time.

Can I Make This Inside of an Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?

Yes, you can cook pork and potato skewers in an air fryer. Air fryers are great for cooking skewers as they circulate hot air around the food, allowing it to cook evenly and develop a nice exterior crispness. To do so, arrange the skewers in the air fryer basket ensuring they don’t overlap, and set the temperature to around 375°F (190°C). Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pork is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for safety. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pork and slices of potato.

More Skewers Recipes You're Going to Adore!

Sandwich Skewers

Fried Pork Loin Skewers

Chicken Kebab Skewers

Spicy Chicken Skewers

How to Store Pork & Potato Skewers

To store leftovers of pork and potato skewers, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate the skewers, and they should keep well for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving, either in a microwave, oven, or air fryer until they are hot throughout.

As for freezing, pork and potato skewers can indeed be frozen, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing; they can become a bit softer or grainier. To freeze, wrap each skewer individually in cling film or aluminum foil, and then place them in airtight freezer bags. Label the bags with the date, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even and safe warming.

How to Prepare Pork & Potato Skewers

Start by arranging the cling firm on a cutting board and placing the pork cutlets on top. Then cover with another layer of cling film and beat them with a meat hammer.

Once you're done, season the cutlets with salt and pepper, making sure to season both sides.

Slice the potatoes.

Then slice the onions.

Transfer the potatoes into a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, paprika and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Then, mix them with your hands to evenly coat them with their marinade.

Start assembling the skewers. Place two skewers on a cutting board and start your towers by adding the potatoes, then the pork cutlet, the onion rings and a slice of bacon.

Repeat the process until the two skewers are completely covered with the ingredients.

Cover the meat with a sheet of baking paper, place it inside of a baking tray and start baking inside of an oven at 374°F (190°C) for about 60 minutes.

In the meantime, inside of a little bow, add the soy sauce, the ketchup, the mustard and the honey for the marinade. Mix them with a teaspoon, until they have melded together.

Once the 60 minutes are up, remove the parchment paper from the pork and potato skewers, then brush the entire length of the skewer with the marinade, using a kitchen brush. Bake in the oven at 374°F (190°C) for an additional 20 minutes.

Serve on a serving dish and cut in half, before starting to portion it.

Enjoy!