These deliciously easy Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin Skewers are the perfect addition to your next summer party or BBQ! Featuring tender pork tenderloin slathered in a sticky honey-habanero-apricot glaze, these sweet and spicy pork kabobs (or kebabs) are downright delicious! Best of all, you can make this sweet and spicy pork in the oven or on the grill.Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.
OptionalGarnishes:Lime or Lemon Wedges, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Thyme Leaves or Lemon Verbena
Instructions
Marinate the Pork: In a large resealable bag, add the olive oil, 1/2 cup apricot preserves, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk well to combine. Then, add the cubed pork to the bag. Seal the bag and place the pork in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight. (Tip #1: Make sure you turn the bag over at least once during marinating to ensure the pork gets evenly flavored.)
Prepare Wooden Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers (as opposed to metal skewers) you will need to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from catching on fire while grilling the skewers. Fill a pan large enough to hold your skewers with water. Then, add all the skewers to the water, set aside and let soak.(Tip: No skewers on hand? Use chop sticks - they work like a charm!)
Make the Apricot Glaze: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, habanero peppers, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and a scant 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes or until onions and peppers are soft and starting to turn golden. Add Garlic: Then, add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring, for about 45 seconds, or until until fragrant.Add Remaining Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of apricot preserves and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, along with the honey, ginger, and lime juice to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until the apricot sauce is reduced and thickened into a glaze. Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.(Note: If you want to use some of the apricot sauce for serving, set some of it aside in a small bowl now. This will help ensure you don't cross-contaminate!)
Meanwhile, Thread Pork onto the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remove them from water and shake / pat dry. Next, remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Then, thread 4-5 cubes of pork onto each skewer.(Tip: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set the prepared skewers onto the paper for easy clean up.)
Oven-Baking Method: Arrange baking racks to the middle and upper third position. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up. Arrange the pork tenderloin skewers on the prepared baking sheet, being sure to space them apart so they bake (versus steam) in the oven. Transfer the pork skewers to the middle shelf in the oven and bake, turning once halfway through baking, for 12-18 minutes or until the pork is ALMOST cooked through and an insta-read thermometer reaches 120-130 degrees F. Remove the baking sheet from oven.Preheat oven to BROIL. Pour or pat off any juice collected in the bottom of the baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to generously apply the apricot glaze onto the top of the pork skewers. Broil the pork skewers for 2-3 minutes, or until glaze slightly caramelizes onto the pork. Remove the skewers from the oven. Flip the skewers over and repeat brushing the top of the pork with the glaze. Broil again for 2-3 minutes.
Grilling Method: Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Place the pork tenderloin skewers onto the hot grill and cook, rotating 4 times during grilling, until the pork is cooked through about 8-12 minutes. During the last few minutes of grilling the pork, use a pastry brush to generously brush the apricot glaze onto all sides of the pork skewers. Remove skewers from the grill.
Garnish the Pork: Finish the apricot pork by squeezing fresh lime juice over the skewers. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for spice, or herbs for freshness. Serve apricot glazed pork immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Apricot Preserves: Total amount of apricot preserves is a scant 13 ounces.
Smooth Glaze: If you prefer a smooth glaze (versus a chunky one), use an immersion blender to puree the cooked glaze before applying it to the pork skewers. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the glaze to a high-powered blender and puree it that way as well.
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.