Zesty Oregano Lemon Pork & Veggie Skewers
Elevate your dining experience with these scrumptious Zesty Oregano Lemon Pork & Veggie Skewers, inspired by renowned New Zealand chef Mike King. The flavorful marinade, crafted from fresh lemon juice, aromatic oregano, and fragrant rosemary, enhances the natural taste of lean pork loin and pairs beautifully with your choice of colorful vegetables. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that are sure to impress your guests. Perfect for grilling indoors or outdoors, these skewers make a delightful meal for any occasion, allowing you to customize the vegetable selection to suit your personal preferences. Enjoy these tender, juicy skewers alongside a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce for a memorable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean pork loin
1 lb (cut into 1 inch cubes)
lemon juice
1/2 cup
oil
1 tablespoon
dried oregano
2 teaspoons
rosemary sprig
1 teaspoon
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
medium red pepper
1 (cut into large chunks)
medium zucchini
1 (cut into 3/8 inch thick slices)
grape tomatoes
8
medium onion
1 (cut into large chunks)
medium white mushrooms
8
Instructions
1
Prepare the marinade by combining lemon juice, oil, dried oregano, rosemary, crushed garlic, and black pepper in a resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive bowl. Mix well to combine.
2
Trim the pork loin of any visible fat and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place the pork cubes in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. For enhanced flavor, you can also include the vegetables in the marinade; zucchini and mushrooms absorb the flavors beautifully.
3
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
While the pork marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 15-20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
5
Wash and cut your chosen vegetables into appropriate sizes: cut the red pepper into large chunks, slice the zucchini into 3/8 inch thick rounds, and cut the onion into large chunks.
6
Once the pork has marinated, thread the pork cubes and vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between pork and veggies. Aim for 1 large skewer or 2 smaller ones per person, depending on your serving preference.
7
Preheat your grill (indoor or outdoor) to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
8
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, fresh salad, or enjoy as is!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Oregano Lemon Pork & Veggie Skewers recipe?
It is a flavorful grilled dish featuring lean pork loin and colorful vegetables marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, oregano, and rosemary.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned New Zealand chef Mike King.
What type of meat is used for the skewers?
The recipe uses 1 lb of lean pork loin cut into 1-inch cubes.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon juice, oil, dried oregano, rosemary, crushed garlic, and black pepper.
How long should the pork be marinated?
The pork should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I marinate the vegetables as well?
Yes, including the vegetables in the marinade is encouraged, as zucchini and mushrooms absorb the flavors beautifully.
How do I prepare wooden skewers before grilling?
Soak wooden skewers in water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before use.
Why is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning while on the grill.
What size should the zucchini slices be?
The zucchini should be sliced into rounds approximately 3/8 inch thick.
How should the red pepper and onion be prepared?
Both the medium red pepper and the medium onion should be cut into large chunks for skewering.
How many tomatoes are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 grape tomatoes.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 8 medium white mushrooms.
How do I assemble the skewers?
Thread the marinated pork cubes and cut vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between meat and veggies.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your indoor or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
Should I prepare the grill grate?
Yes, lightly oil the grill grate before placing the skewers to prevent sticking.
How long do the skewers need to cook?
The skewers should be cooked for 8 to 10 minutes.
Do I need to turn the skewers while they are on the grill?
Yes, turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and a slight char on the vegetables.
How do I know when the skewers are ready?
They are ready when the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for both indoor and outdoor grilling.
What are the serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve the skewers hot with a fresh salad, your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them as they are.
How many skewers should I prepare per person?
The recipe recommends 1 large skewer or 2 smaller ones per person.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
Can I customize the vegetable selection?
Absolutely, the vegetable selection can be customized to suit your personal preferences.
What kind of oil should be used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oil, though specific types like olive or vegetable oil work well.
What herbs provide the main aroma for this dish?
The aromatic profile is created by dried oregano and rosemary sprigs.
What should I do with the pork before cubing it?
Trim the pork loin of any visible fat before cutting it into 1-inch cubes.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of lemon juice for the marinade.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 garlic clove, crushed, for the marinade.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and uses lean pork and fresh vegetables.