Ingredients:
For the Pork Kebabs:
- 1 ½ lbs pork shoulder or tenderloin (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Pickled Vegetables:
- 1 cucumber (sliced into rounds or spears)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 carrot (peeled and sliced into rounds or matchsticks)
- 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp peppercorns (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Fresh dill (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Pork:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pork cubes to the marinade, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Prepare the Pickled Vegetables:
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Place the cucumber, red onion, and carrot slices in a large jar or bowl. Pour the warm pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they are submerged.
- Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can also refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight for more intense flavor.
3. Assemble and Grill the Kebabs:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers.
- Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
4. Serve:
- Serve the pork kebabs hot, alongside the pickled vegetables.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and serve with flatbread or rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy the tangy, savory combination of juicy pork kebabs with crisp pickled vegetables!
