Skewered Pork Barbecue Recipe

 Skewered Pork Barbecue Recipe

Ingredients

(Serves 4):

1 kg pork (loin, shank, or shoulder, cut into 3-4 cm cubes)

2 cloves garlic, crushed

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, for more acidity)

1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)

1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for a smoky touch)

Coarse salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

1 small onion (optional, cut into large pieces for the skewer)

1 bell pepper (optional, cut into pieces for the skewer)

Barbecue skewers (metal or wooden; if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Method:

Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the garlic. Combine the crushed pork, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, cumin, coarse salt, and black pepper. Add the pork cubes and mix well so the marinade coats all the pieces. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (ideally 4 hours or overnight for more flavor).

Assemble the skewers: Remove the meat from the marinade. Assemble the skewers, alternating the meat cubes with onion and bell pepper pieces, if using. Make sure the pieces are well-fitted, but not too tightly packed, to ensure even cooking.

Prepare the grill: Light the grill and allow the coals to build up over medium-high heat (the coals should be hot, but not blazing). If using an oven, preheat to 200°C with the grill function, or use an electric grill.

Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, about 15-20 cm from the coals. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes to brown all sides. Total cooking time is about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes and the intensity of the heat. The meat should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through, but juicy on the inside (ideally, when it reaches about 165°F (70°C) internally, if you have a thermometer).

Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, accompanied by farofa (farofa), vinaigrette, garlic bread, barbecue sauce, or a fresh salad.