Summer grilling season is here, and there’s nothing quite like the smoky, spicy flavor of BBQ skewers. These BBQ Chipotle Pork Skewers combine the heat of chipotle peppers with the tang of fresh lime juice and the freshness of seasonal vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Balanced Flavor: The marinade offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors, giving the pork a deliciously complex taste.
- High Protein: With 21.5g of protein per skewer, these are perfect for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
- Versatile: These skewers can be cooked on the grill or in the oven, making them adaptable to any kitchen setup.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate ahead of time for a quick and easy meal that’s ready in minutes when you’re short on time.
Here are the Main Ingredients you will Need to make these Skewers
Step-by-Step Directions on how to make these BBQ Chipotle Pork Skewers
In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Place the pork cubes in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Thread the marinated pork cubes alternately with pieces of bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini onto the skewers.
Season the entire skewer with salt and pepper.
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and vegetables are tender and slightly charred. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve hot with sides of your choice. Optionally, squeeze a lime wedge over the skewers before serving.
Recipe Notes & Modifications
- For added flavor, season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika before grilling.
- If you prefer less spice, use fewer chipotle peppers in the marinade.
- Metal Skewers are handy if you frequently BBQ, I like these ones.
- Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes if you’re short on time, though longer marination (up to overnight) will yield better flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in the oven until warmed through, or remove from skewers and microwave.
- These skewers pair well with a fresh salad, rice, or corn. I love serving these with my Mexican Street Corn Salad. Consider serving with Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the spicy pork.
Nutrition Facts:
- Serving Size: 155g (1 skewer)
- Total Servings: 9
- Calories: 161 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6.1g
- Protein: 21.5g
- Fat: 5.2g
- Fiber: 1.4g
Looking for other Summer Favorite Recipes?!
Checkout my Marinated Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, or One Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations!
Let’s dive into how to make these BBQ Chipotle Pork Skewers!
BBQ Chipotle Pork Skewers
9
Servings20
minutes10
minutes161
kcal1 Skewer (155g)
2
hours30
minutesTo track this recipe on My Fitness Pal, search TBB BBQ Chipotle Pork Skewers
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Marinade
60 g chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (1/4 cup)
15 ml olive oil (1 tablespoon)
60 ml fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
- For the Skewers
900 g pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes (2 lbs)
160 g bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 large)
260 g red onion, cut into wedges (1 large)
300 g zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds (2 small or 1 large)
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Directions
- In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Place the pork cubes in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Thread the marinated pork cubes alternately with pieces of bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini onto the skewers. Season the entire skewer with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and vegetables are tender and slightly charred. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve hot with sides of choice. Optionally, squeeze lime wedge over skewers before serving.
Equipment
- Wood or Metal Skewers
Food Processor or High Powered BlenderMy Favorite Hand Mixer/Food Processor
Recipe Notes & Modifications
- For added flavor, you can season the vegetables before grilling. Toss the bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
- This recipe is spicy due to the chipotle peppers. If you would like less spice, use less chipotle peppers in the marinade.
- If you’re short on time, you can marinate the pork for just 30 minutes, though longer marination (up to overnight) will yield better flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are tender
- Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in the oven until warmed through, or remove from skewers and microwave.
- These skewers pair well with a fresh salad, rice, or corn- I love having it with my Mexican Street Corn Salad. Consider serving with Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer a balance to the spicy pork.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 155g
- Total number of serves: 9
- Calories: 161kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6.1g
- Protein: 21.5g
- Fat: 5.2g
- Fiber: 1.4g
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