Paleo Herbed Pork Skewers
When it comes to easy, flavour-packed meals that celebrate summer, these Paleo Herbed Pork Skewers are hard to beat. Not only do they bring a punch of herbaceous taste, but they’re also quick to prepare and ideal for make-ahead cooking. This makes them perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or batch-prepping for the week ahead. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply wanting something different for dinner, these skewers are a standout choice.
The beauty of skewers lies in their simplicity. With minimal prep and fuss, you can have an impressive, nourishing meal that looks as good as it tastes. Pork is a wonderfully lean protein, and when paired with fresh herbs and a touch of olive oil, it transforms into a dish that’s both satisfying and perfectly aligned with a Paleo lifestyle.
Recipe: herbed pork skewers
Equipment
- Skewers
- Barbecue grill
Ingredients
- 750 g pork fillets
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Dash of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of a lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork into small cubes, ensuring all the cubes are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Herbs: In a bowl, combine the fresh parsley, sage, and rosemary.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the pork cubes with the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and the herb mixture. Ensure the pork is evenly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to meld.
- Thread on Skewers: Once marinated, thread the pork cubes onto skewers, ready for grilling.
- Barbecue: Grill the pork skewers on a barbecue until they are tender and cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Serve hot.
Why Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
Fresh herbs aren’t just for garnish — they’re essential for flavour. While dried herbs have their place in the kitchen, fresh herbs offer a vibrancy and complexity that simply can’t be matched. In this recipe, the combination of rosemary, thyme, parsley, and oregano adds depth and freshness that complements the pork beautifully. If you're growing your own herbs, even better. Use what’s in season and flourishing in your garden. Basil, sage, or even mint can offer exciting variations.
Tips for the Perfect Skewers
- Choose quality pork: Pork loin or shoulder trimmed into chunks works best. Choose a cut that isn’t too lean so it stays juicy.
- Soak wooden skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate well: Allow at least 1–2 hours of marinating time in the fridge. You can even leave them overnight for maximum flavour.
- Cook on high heat: A hot barbecue or grill pan helps develop a nice char while locking in the juices.
Serving Suggestions
These pork skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a big green salad for a refreshing summer dinner, or pair with grilled vegetables like zucchini, capsicum, and red onion. If you’re after something more filling, try a side of roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice. For a flavour boost, drizzle with a squeeze of lemon or serve with a simple herb sauce made with extra herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining
Whether you’re cooking just for yourself or hosting guests, these skewers deliver. They can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making them ideal for fuss-free entertaining. Leftovers keep well too — simply store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re great cold or gently reheated, making them a useful addition to lunchboxes or post-workout meals.
Get Creative with Marinades and Variations
Once you’ve made these once, you’ll want to experiment. Try adding crushed garlic, a little lemon zest, or chilli flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist. Swap the herbs depending on what you have on hand — or even incorporate different spices or blends like Cajun or Middle Eastern flavours. You could also alternate the pork on the skewers with chunks of capsicum, zucchini, or mushroom for added variety and nutrition.
The Nutritional Benefits of Herbed Pork Skewers
Pork is a rich source of protein and B vitamins, particularly thiamine, which plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. When combined with antioxidant-rich herbs, healthy fats from olive oil, and served alongside a colourful array of vegetables, this meal is balanced and nourishing. For those following a strict Paleo diet, this recipe ticks all the boxes — free from grains, dairy, and refined sugars, while delivering maximum flavour.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
This herbed pork skewer recipe stands out not just for its taste, but for its simplicity and adaptability. It's an ideal recipe to whip up when time is short but you still want to serve something impressive and wholesome. By using simple, real-food ingredients and fresh herbs, you’re creating a dish that feels gourmet but doesn’t require any complex techniques or long ingredient lists.
Ideas for Your Next Barbecue
When planning your next barbecue, consider offering a skewer bar with different options. These herbed pork skewers could be the centrepiece, joined by other variations like beef and mushroom, chicken satay, or vegetable-only options for variety. Offer a range of Paleo-friendly dips like guacamole, tahini-lemon dressing, or a spicy salsa for dipping.
Share Your Skewer Creations
I’d love to hear how you made these your own. Did you try a different herb combination or add some vegetables to the skewers? Maybe you used the same marinade for a different protein? Share your tweaks and tips in the comments below so we can all get inspired for our next barbecue feast.
For more barbecue inspiration, check out our full range of Paleo barbecue recipes. Don’t forget to explore ways to use your homegrown herbs, and be sure to store your spices properly to maximise flavour and longevity.
Enjoy your skewers, and happy Paleo grilling!
Tried these herbed pork skewers and they were delicious! The fresh herbs added a lot of flavour, and they were easy to prepare ahead of time. Perfect for a barbecue. Thanks for the recipe!