Kraukskigais BBQ Glazed Pork Skewers

This delectable recipe for crispy BBQ glazed pork skewers offers a tantalizing balance of flavors with a delightful crunch. Prepared with succulent pork belly slices, this dish gets its kick from a hint of Tobasco sauce and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, creating a savory and spicy marinade. The use of honey gives a perfect glaze when grilling, ensuring an appealing color and flavor. Marinating the meat for several hours enhances the flavors, making the pork juicy and intensely flavorful. This BBQ glaze combines tangy tomato ketchup, olive oil, and a touch of soy sauce, providing a robust base for the marinade. The addition of freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onions infuses the dish with a homey, comforting aroma. For those who love a hint of citrus, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the overall taste. Best enjoyed with friends and family, these skewers shine as a main dish at a BBQ gathering or a casual dinner get-together. A perfect companion to grilled vegetables or a fresh summer salad, these pork skewers stand out for their texture and rich glaze.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg pork belly slices (cut into pieces)
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 3 tbsp water (optional, for thinning)
• 1 tbsp honey (apply when grilling to avoid burning)

Spices and Sauces:

• 1/4 tsp Tobasco sauce (for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp 9% vinegar

Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (half finely chopped)

Preparation Time

• Total: 250 minutes (including marination and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Meat: Begin by cutting the pork belly into slices or chunks, suitable for skewering.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce: In a blender, combine the garlic, ketchup, lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, Tobasco sauce, and onion. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
3. Marinate the Pork: Set aside one third of the BBQ sauce for later. Combine the pork pieces with the remaining sauce in a large bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
4. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat about 15 minutes before cooking.
5. Skewer the Pork: Thread the marinated pork pieces onto skewers, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
6. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes.
7. Apply the Glaze: During grilling, occasionally brush the pork with the reserved BBQ sauce to develop a crispy, flavorful crust.
8. Crispy Skin Hint: Thanks to the pork belly skin, the skewers will achieve a crispy texture. For best results, ensure uniform grilling.
9. Check for Doneness: Pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Final Touch: If extra salt is needed, sprinkle a little over the skewers before serving.

Tips

• Avoid Burning: Add honey only during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning.
• Marination Time: Longer marination, up to 8 hours or overnight, results in even more flavorful pork.
• Skewer Type: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat to avoid burning on the grill.

Nutritions

• Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Fats: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Variations

• Chicken Alternative: Swap pork for boneless chicken thighs for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh, marinating with the same ingredients for a tasty plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Tips: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or replace with tamari.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with wild rice or couscous to complement the rich BBQ flavors.
• Drizzle extra lemon juice over the skewers for a citrusy finish.

Best Places

1. Franklin Barbecue - Renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth BBQ selections and side dishes. Location: Austin, Texas, USA.
2. Blue Smoke - Offers high-quality smoked meats and Southern hospitality. Location: New York, New York, USA.
3. Pitmasters Back Alley Barbecue - Famous for their special BBQ glaze and smoky flavors. Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
4. Barbecue Delights - Known for a fusion of BBQ styles and rich flavors. Location: Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE.
5. Bodean’s BBQ - Offers American-style BBQ with diverse sauce selections. Location: Soho, London, UK.
6. Red’s True Barbecue - Celebrated for authentic slow-cooked meats. Location: Manchester, UK.
7. Casa de la Barbacoa - Known for Mexican-style barbecue with a spicy kick. Location: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
8. Smokestak - Famous for its brisket and BBQ smoked meats. Location: Shoreditch, London, UK.
9. Braai Republic - Offers South African BBQ with a range of unique chutneys and sides. Location: Seoul, South Korea.
10. Smokehouse BBQ - Offers classic American BBQ with a modern twist. Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA.