This savory pork and potato skewer recipe is perfect for a hearty meal. Seasoned to perfection and glazed with a delightful honey mustard sauce, these skewers are sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork, cut into 1 cm thick pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 potatoes, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black ground pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onions, cut into rings
- Bacon slices (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon French mustard
Directions
- Prepare the Pork:
- Cover the pork slices with cling film and tenderize both sides using a kitchen mallet. This step is crucial for breaking down the muscle fibers, making the pork more tender and allowing it to absorb the seasoning better.
- Season both sides of the pork slices generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the meat and creates a flavorful base for the skewers.
- Season the Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with salt, black pepper, paprika, and vegetable oil. Toss the potatoes thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil. The paprika adds a mild heat and a beautiful color to the potatoes, enhancing both their flavor and appearance.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Begin threading the skewers by alternately adding pieces of seasoned potatoes, pork slices, onion rings, and bacon (if using). Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed along the skewers to promote even cooking. The onion rings add a sweet and savory flavor that complements the pork and potatoes, while the bacon introduces a smoky, rich taste that elevates the entire dish.
- Bake the Skewers:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). This high temperature will help to cook the pork quickly and create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Prepare a baking sheet by layering it with damp parchment paper and then foil. The damp parchment paper prevents the skewers from sticking and ensures they remain moist during baking.
- Arrange the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out to allow even heat circulation. Seal the foil tightly around the skewers to create a steam pocket, which helps to cook the ingredients evenly.
- Bake the skewers in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. This slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the skewers are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and French mustard in a bowl. This glaze combines the umami depth of soy sauce, the tangy sweetness of ketchup, the floral sweetness of honey, and the sharpness of mustard, creating a well-balanced and flavorful coating for the skewers.
- Glaze and Finish Baking:
- After 60 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully peel back the foil and parchment paper. The skewers should be partially cooked with the ingredients starting to soften and meld together.
- Generously brush the skewers with the prepared glaze, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step adds a shiny, caramelized finish to the skewers and infuses them with the glaze’s complex flavors.
- Return the skewers to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. The glaze will thicken and form a delicious coating on the skewers.
- Serve:
- Once the skewers are fully cooked and beautifully glazed, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Serve the skewers hot, directly from the oven, for the best flavor and texture. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair these skewers with a refreshing green salad or roasted vegetables to add a healthy balance to the meal. A cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted bell peppers and zucchini would complement the skewers perfectly.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor experience. Options like garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, chimichurri, peanut sauce, or tzatziki can provide additional layers of taste and enjoyment.
- Bread or Rice: Serve the skewers with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up the delicious flavors of the glaze and juices. A warm baguette or a serving of jasmine rice would be ideal.
Cooking Tips
- Even Slices: Ensure the pork and potatoes are cut evenly for consistent cooking. This prevents any pieces from being overcooked or undercooked and ensures every bite is equally delicious.
- Alternative Cooking Method: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the skewers instead of baking them. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 15-20 minutes, turning frequently and basting with the glaze.
- Basting: For extra flavor, baste the skewers with additional sauce halfway through the final baking step. This will create a more intense glaze and deepen the flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein: The pork provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium, which supports heart health, and vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
- Homemade Glaze: Using a homemade glaze reduces preservatives compared to store-bought sauces, making it a healthier choice.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free for a gluten-free meal, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, accommodating those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the skewers are completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven until warmed through, to retain crispiness. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the skewers for about 10-15 minutes