BBQ Pork and Plum-Chilli Skewers
BBQ Pork and Plum-Chilli Skewers: A Taste of Sweet Heat
Imagine succulent cubes of pork, kissed by the smoky char of the grill, their richness perfectly balanced by a vibrant marinade. This BBQ Pork and Plum-Chilli Skewers recipe delivers just that – a delightful fusion of sweet, savoury, and subtly spicy flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. The juicy plums melt into the pork as it cooks, creating pockets of fruity sweetness, while the chilli adds a gentle warmth that lingers on the palate. It's a surprisingly easy yet incredibly flavourful dish, perfect for summer gatherings or a special weeknight treat.
Yields: Approximately 6-8 skewers
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 500g pork shoulder or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 ripe but firm plums, pitted and roughly chopped
- 2 red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped plums, minced garlic, chopped red chilies, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, five-spice powder, and vegetable oil.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember that soy sauce is already salty, so taste before adding more.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined and the plums start to break down slightly.
2. Marinate the Pork:
- Add the cubed pork to the marinade.
- Ensure that all the pork pieces are well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours to allow the flavours to fully penetrate the pork.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.1
- Thread the marinated2 pork cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of the marinated plums. You can aim for about 4-5 pieces of pork and 3-4 pieces of plum per skewer, depending on their size.
4. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat (around 180-200°C or 350-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
- Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill.
- Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
- The pork is done when it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F). The plums will become soft and slightly caramelised.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavourful pork.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the skewers: Leave a little space between the pork and plum pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder flavour, use less chilli or remove the seeds and membranes entirely. For more heat, leave some seeds in or use a hotter variety of chilli.
- Marinating time: While 30 minutes will impart some flavour, longer marinating (up to 4 hours) will result in more tender and flavourful pork. Avoid marinating for longer than 8 hours as the acidity in the plums can start to break down the meat too much.
- Prevent sticking: Lightly oil your grill grates before placing the skewers on them.
- Control the heat: Keep a close eye on the skewers while grilling to prevent them from burning, especially if your grill has hot spots.
- Serving suggestions: These skewers are delicious served on their own, with a side of rice or quinoa, or as part of a larger BBQ spread. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of extra marinade can add a final touch of freshness.
Enjoy the delightful dance of sweet plums, tender pork, and a hint of chilli spice in every bite of these BBQ skewers!