Keep the grill on and try out these skewers that Chef John calls “perfect for summer entertaining.” Pork shoulder in kebab form and smothered in brown sugar, spices, and barbecue sauce is the dish we’ve been waiting for. This recipe goes with anything else you’ve got going, too, from grilled veggies to rice or quinoa.
This five-star review from an Allrecipes member says it all: “I searched for ‘What can I do with pork shoulder roast that isn’t pulled pork,’ and this came up…It’s now my new favorite…Wow!”
These BBQ pork skewers are perfect for summer entertaining. When you’re in the mood for barbecued pork, you have two options: pork ribs or a slowly smoked pork shoulder made into pulled pork. But what if you want something different? In that case, these BBQ pork skewers come highly recommended. And no, we’re not just sticking chunks of pork on a stick! This is way more advanced and way more delicious. Garnish with thinly sliced green onion and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce if you like.
Ingredients
- 1 (2 pound) pork shoulder
- ¼ cup grated onion
- 1 large clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- metal skewers as needed
- ½ cup prepared barbecue sauce
Directions
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Slice pork shoulder in half lengthwise, then slice each half crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices.
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Transfer pork to a mixing bowl; add onion, garlic, brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne, and mix with your hands until thoroughly combined. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.
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When ready to cook, preheat a charcoal grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
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Weave pork slices onto metal skewers, folding any longer pieces in half as needed; press slices snugly together.
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Cook skewers on the preheated grill, turning frequently, until browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, about 30 minutes. Brush on barbecue sauce and turn skewers several times until sauce caramelizes, about 10 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
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Recipe Tips
You can use pork loin instead of pork shoulder. If using pork loin, shoot for an internal temperature in the center of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
You can use soaked wooden skewers instead of metal. Skewers can also be broiled under high heat in the oven.
