Pork Kabobs (Shashlik)

This is by far the most simple pork kabobs recipe on the planet. With just a few, simple ingredients and a handful of skewers, you’ll create an entree that is as fun to eat and it is to make.

These kabobs are called “shashlik” in Russian and are made with a marinade of mayonnaise, sliced onions, garlic, salt, and black pepper. The first origins of this dish popped up in Asia and the Middle East, but as the popularity grew, it spread throughout Russia and Eastern Europe. Today, many cultures enjoy some version of a kabob (also commonly referred to as a “shish kebab”).

How to Make Pork Kabobs

Making pork kabobs requires minimal labor and ingredients. Check out an overview of the recipe below before diving in.

• Prepare your ingredients. Cut pork shoulder into medium-sized pieces (about 1-inch long), slice your onions, and grate the garlic.
• Marinate meat overnight. In a glass bowl, combine all your ingredients until each piece of pork is evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and allow pork to marinate overnight.
• Grill and Serve. Fire up your grill to medium heat. Thread the meat onto your skewers, alternating each pork cube with a slice or two of onion. Pop skewers directly onto the grill grates. Flip halfway through. Serve fresh off the grill with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Pork Kabobs

Below, find a couple of tips that will help you make the best possible pork kabobs.

• Remove the extra fat. Remove any excess fat from your pork to prevent burning. There’s nothing worse than fat melting and dripping into the open flames and scorching your meat.
• Give pork ample time to marinate. Letting your pork marinate in the mayonnaise mixture overnight allows it to reach peak tenderness. Don’t skip this step, especially if you’re using a tougher cut.
• Don’t overcook the pork. Prevent overcooking pork at all costs, or else it will turn out rubbery. Invest in a meat thermometer to take the guesswork out of gauging doneness. (Note: Pork is cooked and safe to eat when the internal temperature is 145°F.)
• Cut veggies and pork into equal-sized pieces. To promote even cooking, cut your veggies and pork into as equal-sized pieces as possible.
• Mix and match veggies. Branch out beyond onions and use zucchini, mushrooms, and/or bell peppers as well. Nothing like adding a nice pop of color to your skewers!
• Always soak wooden skewers. Prevent your wooden skewers and meat from burning by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Serving Pork Kabobs

Serve pork kabobs with a side of rice and tzatziki sauce for a Middle Eastern-style meal. You could also remove the pork pieces and use them as a caesar salad topping. At the end of the day, these kabobs go great with just about any side dish due to their neutral seasoning.

Making Them in Advance

• Refrigerating: Store kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, they should stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze kabobs by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop the sheet in the freezer. Once completely frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe plastic bag.

FAQ

More Kabob Recipes

• The Best Grilled Lamb Kabobs – Mediterranean-style lamb skewers
• Grilled Chicken Kababs – Simple chicken skewers
• Amazing Shish Kebab Recipe (With Beef) – Hearty beef skewers

Recipe

Pork Kabobs (Shashlik)

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Servings

12 servings

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

Pork kabobs are a dish of skewered and grilled meat. From prep to table, this recipe takes only 45 minutes and is perfect for your next BBQ.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs boneless pork
• 1 large onion chopped
• 5 garlic cloves pressed
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp salt adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• Cut meat into medium-sized pieces. Cut onion into similar-sized slices. Grate garlic.
  
• Place pork in a glass bowl. Add all ingredients and mix well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit overnight covered in plastic wrap.
  
• Preheat grill to medium heat. Thread peices of pork on a your skewers, being mindful to leave enough space at the bottom for flipping. Optional: Alternate pieces of onion in between each pork piece. Place skewers on a grill.
  
• Grill pork kabobs to your desired doneness (about 4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°). Serve right away.
  

Nutrition Facts

Pork Kabobs (Shashlik)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 280 Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 121mg40%

Sodium 697mg29%

Potassium 733mg21%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 43g86%

Vitamin A 5IU0%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 17mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.