Spiced Moroccan Pork Kebabs with Grilled Vegetables
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Morocco with these savory pork kebabs, seasoned with aromatic spices and complemented by roasted eggplant and onions. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun backyard gathering, these kebabs are easily baked in the oven or grilled to perfection. The marinade, infused with zesty orange juice and earthy cumin, elevates tender chunks of pork loin, while the grilled vegetables add a delicious smoky touch. Serve them alongside warm pita bread and a refreshing tzatziki sauce for a complete culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Marrakech.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon
Ground Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Olive Oil
4 tablespoons
Kosher Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon
Boneless Pork Loin
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes)
Small Eggplant
1 (cut into 1-inch cubes, unpeeled)
Small Red Onion
1 (cut into 8 wedges)
Pita Bread or Flat Bread
for serving
Tzatziki Sauce
1/2 pint (optional for serving)
Cucumber
1/2 small (sliced thin)
Fresh Mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Wooden Skewers
as needed (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make for easy cleanup.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, tomato paste, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk well to create a marinade.
3
Add the cubed pork loin to the marinade, tossing until all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate the pork at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
4
While the pork is marinating, prepare the vegetables. In a bowl, toss the cubed eggplant and red onion wedges with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
5
Thread the marinated eggplant and onion onto soaked wooden skewers, alternating between the two for a colorful presentation.
6
Place the vegetable skewers on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7
Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the oven and set aside. Now, thread the marinated pork onto separate skewers.
8
Add the pork skewers to the baking sheet and roast for an additional 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the pork is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9
If desired, wrap the pita or flatbread in aluminum foil and place it in the oven during the last 5 minutes of roasting to warm up.
10
To serve, arrange the pork kebabs and roasted vegetables on a platter. Offer tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, and fresh mint leaves on the side for a refreshing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of these Moroccan Pork Kebabs?
The kebabs feature a vibrant Moroccan flavor profile created by a marinade of orange juice, tomato paste, garlic, ground cumin, and a hint of cinnamon.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1.5 pounds of boneless pork loin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or it can be refrigerated for up to 8 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.
What vegetables are used in the grilled skewers?
The recipe uses one small eggplant cut into 1-inch cubes and one small red onion cut into 8 wedges.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for roasting the kebabs.
How do I prepare wooden skewers for roasting?
Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning in the oven.
Should the eggplant be peeled?
No, the eggplant should be left unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long do the vegetable skewers need to roast?
The vegetable skewers should roast for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
How long do the pork skewers need to roast?
The pork skewers require approximately 25 minutes of roasting time, turning once halfway through.
What is the safe internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How can I warm the pita bread?
Wrap the pita or flatbread in aluminum foil and place it in the oven during the last 5 minutes of the pork's roasting time.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of orange juice, tomato paste, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
What sides are recommended for serving?
Serve the kebabs with tzatziki sauce, thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, and warm pita bread.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Yes, metal skewers can be used and do not require the 30-minute soaking period necessary for wooden skewers.
Is the eggplant seasoned separately?
Yes, the eggplant and red onion are tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper while the pork marinates.
How much orange juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How much cumin is in the spice blend?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of ground cumin to provide an earthy, Moroccan flavor.
Can I grill these kebabs outdoors?
While the instructions focus on oven roasting, these kebabs are also perfect for grilling over medium-high heat until the pork reaches 145°F.
What is the best way to clean up after roasting?
Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil before roasting the skewers makes for very easy cleanup.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be cut into 8 uniform wedges to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
How much garlic is used?
One minced garlic clove is included in the marinade.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste in the marinade?
Tomato paste adds acidity, a touch of sweetness, and helps the marinade cling to the meat for better caramelization.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is aromatic and spiced with cumin and cinnamon, but it is not heat-spicy unless you add extra black pepper or chili flakes.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil is used: 2 for the marinade and 2 for the vegetables.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies kosher salt for both the marinade and the vegetable seasoning.
How much fresh mint should be used?
Use 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint as a refreshing garnish.
Can I substitute the pork loin?
Yes, you could substitute chicken thighs or lamb, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What provides the smoky touch mentioned?
The high-heat roasting or grilling of the eggplant and onions provides a delicious smoky element to the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 1.5 pounds of meat and the vegetables, it typically serves 4 people.
Can I skip the marinating step?
While you can cook it immediately, marinating for at least 30 minutes is highly recommended to tenderize the pork and infuse the Moroccan flavors.