Grilled Marinated Pork Skewers with Homemade Aioli

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This Grilled Marinated Pork Skewers with Homemade Aioli are the perfect recipe for a quick, flavorful family meal! Whether you're cooking for a weekend barbecue or a busy weeknight dinner, these juicy pork skewers are packed with a savory marinade that everyone will love. Paired with a rich, creamy homemade aioli, this dish is easy to make.

Close-up photo of grilled marinated pork pieces arranged on a plate with dipping sauce on the side.

This dish also makes a fantastic addition to holiday meals like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July, when everyone’s craving something savory and easy to enjoy outdoors. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

Pork: Tender cuts like pork shoulder or tenderloin are ideal for this recipe.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful base for the dish.
Soy Sauce: Enhances the savory depth of the marinade, giving the pork a rich, savory flavor
Lemon Juice: Balances the richness of the pork and aioli, while adding a refreshing zing to the marinade and the creamy sauce.
Honey: Helps balance the salty and tangy elements in the marinade.
Garlic: Adds a punch of savory flavor that brings everything together.
Paprika: Gives the pork a warm, earthy flavor.
Oregano: Adding complexity to the marinade.
Black Pepper: Enhances the savory notes of the marinade.
Salt: Helping to balance sweetness, acidity, and spices in both the marinade and sauce.
Egg Yolk: Serves as the base for the aioli, helping to emulsify the oil into a creamy, smooth sauce.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp bite to the aioli, balancing the richness of the oil and egg yolk, and giving it a lovely, zesty kick.
Olive Oil: Used to emulsify the aioli, creating a silky texture.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the aioli, adding acidity that helps cut through the richness and enhances the overall freshness of the sauce.
Salt: Brings all the flavors of the aioli together, ensuring that the tang, richness, and garlic notes are perfectly balanced.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Grilled Marinated Pork Skewers with Homemade Aioli

Ingredients for the marinade being mixed together in a medium bowl.

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Add pork cubes into the bowl. Mix well until all pieces are coated. Cover and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to stop them from burning.

Marinated pork pieces being threaded onto skewers.

Take the pork out of the fridge. Thread the pork pieces onto the skewers. Heat the grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning them a few times, until the pork is golden brown and fully cooked.

Grilled marinated pork skewers arr.anged on a plate

Serve the pork skewers hot with fresh vegetables and your choice of dipping sauce or side dishes.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolk and Dijon mustard until smooth to start the aioli.

While whisking, slowly add the oil drop by drop. When the mixture begins to thicken, continue with a steady, thin stream of oil. Once the mixture reaches a thick, mayonnaise-like consistency, stir in the lemon juice (and vinegar, if using).

Two bowls: one with marinated pork and the other with the sauce for dipping.

Mix in the minced garlic and season with salt. If the aioli is too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon of water or more lemon juice.

Chill the aioli in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

A few pieces of grilled marinated pork served on a plate with dipping sauce on the side and lemon.

Serve the aioli with fries, seafood, grilled vegetables, or sandwiches.

Hint: For a little extra flavor, try marinating the pork overnight. The longer it sits, the more the spices and seasonings will soak in, making each bite even more delicious.

Substitutions & Variations

If you prefer chicken or beef, you can easily substitute the pork. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you're using.
Dried herbs work great in this recipe, but fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary will bring an even brighter flavor!
For aioli variations, add a little sriracha or smoked chipotle for a spicy kick, or stir in some fresh herbs for a unique twist.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the pork for even cooking.
If you don't have a Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even a bit of mayo as a substitute.

💭Crucial Success Tips

For grilling, make sure to let the skewers rest for a few minutes after taking them off the grill. This helps the juices settle and keeps the pork tender.
For skewers, if you're using wooden ones, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

FAQ

Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes! A grill pan works perfectly on the stovetop, just make sure it’s preheated before you add the skewers.

How long should I marinate the pork?

Marinate the pork for at least 1 hour, but overnight works best for deeper flavor.

How do I know the pork is done?

The pork should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect tenderness.

📖 Recipe

2-3 servings

Grilled Marinated Pork Skewers with Homemade Aioli

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 52 minutes

Grilled marinated pork skewers made using a basic marinade to keep the meat tender. Served with a homemade dipping sauce that’s mixed and chilled before serving.

Ingredients

1 lb pork (500 g), shoulder or tenderloin, cut into cubes
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Wooden or metal skewers
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup olive oil (240 ml) or a mix of olive and neutral oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
Salt to taste

Notes

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add pork cubes into the bowl. Mix well until all pieces are coated. Cover and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to stop them from burning.
Take the pork out of the fridge. Thread the pork pieces onto the skewers. Heat the grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning them a few times, until the pork is golden brown and fully cooked.
Serve the pork skewers hot with fresh vegetables and your choice of dipping sauce or side dishes.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolk and Dijon mustard until smooth to start the aioli.
While whisking, slowly add the oil drop by drop. When the mixture begins to thicken, continue with a steady, thin stream of oil. Once the mixture reaches a thick, mayonnaise-like consistency, stir in the lemon juice (and vinegar, if using).
Mix in the minced garlic and season with salt. If the aioli is too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon of water or more lemon juice. Chill the aioli in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Serve the aioli with fries, seafood, grilled vegetables, or sandwiches.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 764Total Fat: 60gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 37gCholesterol: 222mgSodium: 1677mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 45g

How to Store Grilled Marinated Pork Skewers with Homemade Aioli

If you have leftovers, store the skewers and aioli separately in airtight containers. The pork will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, and the aioli will last for about 2 days. Just give the aioli a quick stir before serving again.