| Prep: 40 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 417 | 28g | 6g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 1g | 35g | 0.13g |
Why I Love Italian Rosemary and Lemon Marinated Pork Skewers
One of my favorite dishes to prepare, especially when the grilling season is in full swing is the Italian-originated Rosemary and Lemon Marinated Pork Skewers. This heavenly skewer recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also packs a punch of zesty, herbal flavors that stick with you long after you’re finished.
A Modern Twist to an Italian Staple
My love for this recipe is rooted deeply in its simplicity and its versatility. Although my culinary foundations are cemented in New England seafood and Irish comfort food, I enjoy experimenting with various cuisines. And Italian cuisine, with its wide spectrum of flavors and ingredients, always intrigued me. This pork skewer recipe is heavily inspired by culinary maestro Mario Batali, who has moved the world with his minimalist yet flavour-packed Italian dishes. His recipes simplified traditional Italian cooking to a point that I found approachable and inspiring, hence this delightful dish.
The Joy is in the Marinating
The joy of making these Rosemary and Lemon Marinated Pork Skewers lies in the marinating process – the longer the pork is allowed to marinate, the more pronounced the flavors. The fresh and vibrant flavors of lemon zest and juice effortlessly percolate through the tender pork cuts, while the robust, earthy aroma of rosemary lends a delightful contrast. Bits of minced garlic not only add a layer of vibrant flavor but also elevate the olfactory experience of preparing and grilling these skewers.
While the recipe itself is Italian, it aligns perfectly with my preference for unfussy, straightforward food preparations. And the combination of lemon and rosemary, in fact, has a hint of familiarity to it, reminiscent of traditional Irish and New England marinades.
Perfect Pairings
The Rosemary and Lemon Marinated Pork Skewers pairs fantastically with a wide array of side dishes. If you wish to stick to Italian roots, a light Caprese salad or a hearty Parmesan polenta pairs beautifully. If you’re in the mood for a fusion meal, these skewers sit just as well alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or some zesty, homemade coleslaw.
So, if you’re looking for a summertime recipe that’s simple, packed full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, remember these Rosemary and Lemon Marinated Pork Skewers. I promise, they’ll make your grilling season tastier.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of pork tenderloin
- Juice of 3 large lemons
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Method
Step One
The first step to this recipe is to prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, finely chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step Two
Next, cut the pork tenderloin into one-inch cubes. Add these to the marinade. Toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and allow the pork to marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, but ideally overnight for maximum flavour.
Step Three
After the pork has finished marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, thread the marinated pork cubes onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers.
Step Four
Once the skewers are ready and your grill is hot, place the pork skewers on the grill. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes per side, or until the pork is cooked through and has a slight char.
Step Five
Finally, remove your delicious Rosemary and Lemon Marinated Pork Skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a flavor-packed and moist bite every time.
