Are you craving some juicy and flavorful pork skewers but don’t have access to a grill?
No worries! You can still enjoy this delicious dish by cooking them in the oven.
Not only is it a convenient option, but it also allows you to enjoy pork skewers year-round, regardless of the weather outside.
In this article, we’ll provide you with several easy-to-follow recipes and tips on how to cook pork skewers in the oven.
So, grab your skewers and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Skewers In Oven?
There are several ways to cook pork skewers in the oven, and we’ve gathered some of the best recipes for you to try out.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork
When it comes to making pork skewers in the oven, choosing the right cut of pork is crucial. While pork tenderloin may work, the best cut for skewers is without a doubt from the pig’s shoulder. Look for shoulder blade area cuts such as pork steak ready shoulder blade roast or boneless country style ribs. The neck part, also known as pork neck fillet or pork collar, is another great option.
These cuts are perfect for pork skewers for several reasons. Firstly, they are rich in flavor and generously marbled, which means they won’t dry out and will finish tender. Secondly, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores.
It’s important to note that you should avoid using fatty cuts like the shoulder for skewers. Instead, opt for leaner cuts that will hold up well on the skewer and cook evenly in the oven.
When preparing your skewers, slice up all your veggies into 1-2″ pieces and arrange your assembled kabobs onto a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray, leaving at least 1″ between kabobs on the sheet. Cook the kabobs in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, turning every 5 to 10 minutes. You can use a little olive oil to baste your kabobs, but they’ll turn out just fine without it.
Preparing The Pork Skewers
Before you start cooking your pork skewers in the oven, it’s important to prepare them properly to ensure that they cook evenly and are packed with flavor. Here’s how to prepare your pork skewers:
1. Freeze the pork for 15-30 minutes: This will partially freeze the pork, making it easier to slice. Use a sharp chef’s knife or slicing knife to slice the pork against the grain into 2-inch-long, 1-inch-wide, and 1/8-inch-thick strips. The easiest way to do this is to start by portioning the pork butt into 2-inch-wide by 1-inch-thick pieces and then slicing those pieces crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick strips.
2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine garlic, cilantro stems, palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and MSG (if using), and stir until the palm sugar is dissolved. Then combine the pork and marinade in a large bowl and toss until every piece of meat is evenly coated in marinade. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, and up to 36 hours.
3. Thread the pork onto skewers: Thread one piece of pork onto a skewer, piercing it through twice to secure it, then pushing meat tightly together like an accordion. Continue threading pork onto skewer, making sure meat is tightly bunched together, leaving no parts of the skewer exposed except for a 2-inch handle at the bottom and the pointy tip at the top.
4. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375 – 400 F depending on how strong you know it to be. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the skewers on top about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake and broil: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pork is tender, turning once or twice. Turn on the broiler and broil the skewers for the last couple of minutes for a nicely browned finish. Turn frequently to make sure the surface doesn’t burn.
6. Serve: Serve the skewers garnished with fresh herbs and charred lemon – a little citrusy squeeze really brightens up the flavors of the pork skewers. Remind everyone to handle them with caution – the ends will be hot!
Marinating The Pork Skewers
Marinating the pork skewers is an essential step to ensure that the meat is flavorful and tender. There are different marinade recipes to choose from, depending on your taste preference. For instance, one popular marinade combines balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, Creole seasoning, tomato paste, and pepper. To prepare this marinade, whisk the ingredients together in a glass or non-reactive bowl. Then, add the pork and stir well to coat the meat on all sides with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to marinate.
Another marinade recipe combines chopped pork with Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion pieces, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients in a large mixing bowl or ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
For a more exotic flavor, you can try a marinade that combines garlic, cilantro stems, palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and MSG (if using). Freeze the pork for 15-30 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Combine the meat with the marinade in a large bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 36 hours.
No matter which marinade you choose, be sure to soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning. Once the meat is marinated, thread the pork and other ingredients onto the skewers and brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Marinating the pork skewers is a crucial step that adds flavor and tenderness to your dish. Experiment with different marinades until you find one that suits your taste buds. With these tips in mind, you can easily cook delicious pork skewers in your oven.
Preheating The Oven
Before you start cooking your pork skewers in the oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to the right temperature. The recommended temperature for cooking pork skewers in the oven is between 375-425°F, depending on the recipe.
To preheat your oven, simply turn it on and set it to the desired temperature. Allow the oven to heat up for at least 10-15 minutes before placing your skewers inside. This will ensure that the oven is fully heated and ready to cook your skewers evenly.
It’s also important to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper before placing your skewers on top. This will prevent any sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 15 minutes beforehand. This will prevent them from burning in the oven and affecting the taste of your pork skewers.
Once your oven is preheated and your baking sheet is lined, arrange your skewers on top about 1 inch apart. Bake for the recommended time, usually between 15-30 minutes depending on the recipe, turning once or twice to ensure even cooking.
For a nicely browned finish, turn on the broiler for the last couple of minutes of cooking. Be sure to turn your skewers frequently during this time to prevent burning.
Once your pork skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and charred lemon for an extra burst of flavor.
By following these simple steps, you can easily cook delicious pork skewers in the oven all year round without having to worry about manning the grill.
Cooking The Pork Skewers
One of the easiest ways to cook pork skewers in the oven is to preheat your oven to 375-400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the skewers on top, about 1 inch apart, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pork is tender, turning once or twice. For a nicely browned finish, turn on the broiler and broil the skewers for the last couple of minutes. Be sure to turn them frequently to make sure the surface doesn’t burn.
Another method involves marinating the pork in a mixture of garlic, cilantro stems, palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and MSG (if using) for at least 4 hours, and up to 36 hours. After marinating, thread one piece of pork onto a skewer, piercing it through twice to secure it, then pushing meat tightly together like an accordion. Continue threading pork onto skewer, making sure meat is tightly bunched together, leaving no parts of the skewer exposed except for a 2-inch handle at the bottom and the pointy tip at the top. Set up grill for skewers, making sure to adjust distance between bricks to the length of your skewers. Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly in the channel between the bricks. Place skewers directly over hot coals, balancing on top of bricks, with handles overhanging the bricks closest to you and the tips balancing on the farther wall of bricks. Brush pork with coconut cream and cook, turning skewers and brushing pork with coconut cream frequently until meat is lightly charred.
For those who prefer a sweeter taste, you can marinate your pork in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, Creole seasoning, tomato paste and pepper for 30 minutes to 4 hours before grilling. Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to cooking to prevent them from burning. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and thread the pork and red onion onto the skewers. Lightly brush on all sides with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the pork skewers for about 10 minutes rotating once or twice until fully cooked.
Lastly, you can try cooking your pork skewers in the oven after marinating them for a few hours in a sauce with wine, olive oil, herbs and spices. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place your marinated pork skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to remind everyone to handle them with caution as they will be hot when they come out of the oven or grill. Serve your pork skewers garnished with fresh herbs and charred lemon or alongside some sliced veggies and pineapple for a complete meal.
Serving And Enjoying Your Pork Skewers
Once your pork skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! There are several ways you can serve your pork skewers, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas:
1. As a main dish: Pork skewers can be served as a main dish with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also add a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or barbecue sauce, to enhance the flavors.
2. As an appetizer: If you’re hosting a party or a gathering, pork skewers can be served as an appetizer. Cut them into smaller pieces and arrange them on a platter with some dipping sauce on the side.
3. In a wrap or pita: Pork skewers can be wrapped in a pita or tortilla with some fresh vegetables and sauce for a quick and easy meal on-the-go.
4. On their own: Sometimes the best way to enjoy pork skewers is simply on their own, straight off the grill or out of the oven. They make for a great snack or light meal.
No matter how you choose to serve your pork skewers, make sure to enjoy them while they’re still hot and juicy!