Spicy Smoky Mexican Pork Kebabs
I sometimes serve these kebabs with grilled butternut squash though the spicy pork and poblano combination also makes a natural filling for warm tortillas.
I sometimes serve these kebabs with grilled butternut squash though the spicy pork and poblano combination also makes a natural filling for warm tortillas.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 dried hot red chile stemmed and seeded
- 1 tbs. grated lime zest
- 2 tbs. fresh lime juice
- 1 tbs. chopped canned chipotle in adobo (i like herdez br
- 2 pork tenderloins (1 to 1-1/4â lb. each) trimmed, halved lengthwise, and sliced into 1-1/2-inch-thick half-rounds
- 1 red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 fresh poblano chiles cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch squares
- 16 medium radishes trimmed
- 16 scallions, root ends trimmed
- Carbohydrate 16.7654996704397 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 82.6519637307289 g
- Fiber 2.82572304401925 g
- Protein 2.14399730303073 g
- Saturated Fat 6.1209353399947 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (269g)
- Sodium 4791.41919214288 mg
- Sugar 13.9397766264204 g
- Trans Fat 1.19238042804237 g
- Calories 798 calories
Step-by-step
- Make the marinade: Soak the red chile in very hot water to cover until softened, about 15 minutes. Drain the chile and put it in a blender, along with all the remaining marinade ingredients. Blend until smooth. Set aside 1/2 cup of the marinade for basting. Put the remaining marinade and the pork in a large zip-top bag, seal, and massage the contents to coat. Marinate for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Remove the pork; discard the marinade.
- Make the kebabs: Thread the meat onto skewers, alternating with the onion, the poblano pieces, and the whole radishes.
- Build a medium-hot charcoal fire or heat a gas grill to medium high and oil the grill grate. Grill the kebabs (uncovered for charcoal; covered for gas), turning every 2 to 3 min. Once the pork loses its raw look, baste with the reserved marinade each time you turn the skewers. Grill until the pork is firm to the touch and the edges have begun to brown and the vegetables have begun to color and soften, about 15 min. Mound the skewers on a warm platter; tent with foil to keep warm.
- Brush the scallions with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until they begin to brown and soften, turning frequently, 3 to 5 min.
- To serve: Remove the meat and vegetables from their skewers, mound them on the platter and arrange the scallions around the edges.
Spicy Smoky Mexican Pork Kebabs: A Flavor Explosion
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and exciting meals can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present laundry mountain. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to let dinner become an afterthought. It's a time for family connection, a moment to unwind and savor something delicious, and honestly, sometimes a little spice is exactly what I need to combat the day's stresses. That's where these Spicy Smoky Mexican Pork Kebabs come in.
These kebabs are my go-to when I want a meal that's both impressive and incredibly easy to prepare. The vibrant colors and smoky aroma alone are enough to transport you to a sun-drenched Mexican cantina. But the best part? They come together surprisingly quickly, even on the busiest of evenings. The marinade, the heart of this recipe, is a simple blend of smoky chipotles, zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and warming spices. It transforms humble pork tenderloin into succulent, flavor-packed morsels, perfect for grilling. I love the combination of tender pork, sweet onions, and slightly spicy poblano peppers. The radishes add a delightful crunch, a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the pork. And let's not forget the charred scallions, which provide an elegant finishing touch.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It’s fantastic served as is, with a simple side salad for a lighter meal, or nestled in warm tortillas with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for a more substantial affair. You can even prepare the marinade ahead of time, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Simply pop the pork into the marinade in the morning and let it sit in the refrigerator while you conquer the rest of your to-do list. When it's time for dinner, all that's left to do is thread the ingredients onto skewers and fire up the grill. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, leaving plenty of time to catch up with my family before sitting down to enjoy this wonderful meal. It’s the kind of recipe that brings a touch of sunshine and effortless elegance to even the most chaotic weeknight.
Beyond the Kebabs: The recipe doesn't just stop at the kebabs. I often find myself experimenting with variations. Sometimes I’ll add bell peppers for extra sweetness and color. Other times, I might swap the radishes for cherry tomatoes or zucchini. The beauty of grilling is the ability to easily incorporate seasonal produce, giving the dish a fresh and unique twist each time. This recipe is a fantastic blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
A Simple Yet Satisfying Dinner: The key to a successful weeknight meal isn't just about taste, it's also about ease and efficiency. These kebabs perfectly embody this balance. The flavorful marinade does most of the work, creating a delicious base that requires minimal effort on your part. Grilling the kebabs adds a delightful char and smoky depth, elevating the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The whole experience feels celebratory and indulgent, even on a Tuesday night.
Serving Suggestions: While the kebabs are delicious on their own, a few simple additions can elevate them to the next level. I often serve them with a side of grilled corn on the cob, a simple Mexican rice, or a vibrant cilantro-lime slaw. The options are endless! Remember, the focus is on delicious, easy-to-prepare food that the whole family will enjoy.
This Spicy Smoky Mexican Pork Kebabs recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the fact that delicious and exciting food doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming. So next time you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner, give these kebabs a try. You won't be disappointed.
