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Grilled Italian Pork Skewers Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

These Grilled Italian Pork Skewers Recipe delivers tender, flavorful pork infused with rosemary, garlic, and white wine, a rustic Italian preparation perfect for outdoor gatherings. The meat is marinated in traditional Mediterranean herbs and grilled to develop a charred exterior while remaining juicy inside. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience.

Ingredients

• 800g (1.8 lbs) pork shoulder, cut into 3cm (1.2 inch) cubes
• 60ml (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 45ml (3 tablespoons) dry white wine
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 10ml (2 teaspoons) fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) salt
• 2.5ml (½ teaspoon) black pepper
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
• 8 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked 30 minutes)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, white wine, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until well blended.

2. Add pork cubes to the marinade and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 200°C/400°F) and lightly oil the grates.

4. Thread marinated pork cubes onto skewers, dividing evenly among all 8 skewers and leaving 1cm (0.4 inch) space between pieces.

5. Place skewers on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a light char to develop.

6. Flip skewers carefully and grill for another 6-7 minutes on the second side until pork is cooked through (internal temperature 63°C/145°F) and exterior is golden brown.

7. Transfer skewers to a clean serving plate and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Substitutions

• Use chicken breast cut into cubes for a leaner option with similar cooking time
• Substitute veal shoulder for a more delicate Italian flavor profile
• Replace white wine with chicken broth for alcohol-free version
• Use turkey cubes as a lower-fat alternative

Tips

• Soak wooden skewers at least 30 minutes to prevent burning; metal skewers eliminate this step and heat during grilling for more even cooking
• Do not move skewers while cooking the first side—this creates the flavorful charred crust characteristic of grilled Italian meat
• Ensure pork cubes are roughly uniform in size (3cm) so they cook evenly without drying out on the edges

Spiedini, or Italian skewers, are a beloved antipasto and secondi course throughout Italy, particularly in coastal regions where grilling is a central cooking method. The combination of pork with rosemary and garlic reflects the Mediterranean herb tradition that defines authentic Italian cuisine.

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