Asian Pork Tenderloin Skewers with Fresh Carrot Cucumber Salad: Your Go-To Easy BBQ Recipe
Prepare to elevate your outdoor cooking with these incredible **Asian pork tenderloin skewers** paired with a vibrant, fresh **carrot cucumber salad**. This recipe is designed for those moments when you crave maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for a sunny **BBQ**, a laid-back **camping meal**, or even a busy **weeknight dinner**. The secret to the irresistibly tender and juicy pork lies in a simple, yet potent, Asian-inspired marinade that infuses every bite with savory goodness.
But the star doesn’t shine alone! A crunchy, refreshing carrot and cucumber salad provides the perfect counterpoint, adding a burst of freshness and a delightful textural contrast to the succulent pork. It’s a colorful, balanced meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re firing up a traditional grill or a versatile skottelbraai, this dish promises a memorable meal that’s both healthy and utterly delicious.
Quick BBQ Dinner: Tender Pork Skewers with Refreshing Salad
I crafted this recipe with those beautiful, sunny days in mind – the kind where the call of the grill is strong, but the desire for an elaborate culinary production is weak. My goal was to create something straightforward, yet packed with amazing flavors and a touch of unexpected delight. After countless experiments with various marinades and salad dressings, I finally hit upon this winning combination. It’s simple enough for a casual meal, but delicious enough to impress guests.
The pork tenderloin emerges from the grill incredibly juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender, thanks to the thoughtful marinade. Complementing this, the crisp carrot-cucumber salad is wonderfully refreshing, cutting through the richness of the meat with its bright, tangy notes. I even made sure to adjust the salad dressing to be appealing to younger palates, knowing that most children enjoy the natural sweetness of carrots and the cool crunch of cucumbers. This ensures everyone, including the little ones, gets their essential vitamins while enjoying a fantastic meal. This dish truly is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re on vacation or simply enjoying a meal at home.
My Top Tips for the Best Asian Pork Skewers and Salad
- Even Cuts for Even Cooking: When preparing your pork tenderloin, take a moment to cut the meat into cubes of roughly equal size. This seemingly small step is crucial for ensuring that every piece cooks uniformly, resulting in consistently tender and perfectly done pork skewers.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t underestimate the power of marination! The longer the pork tenderloin soaks in its flavorful marinade (ideally at least 1 hour, or even up to 4 hours in the fridge), the more intensely flavored and tender it will become. This step is non-negotiable for truly delicious skewers.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (or even an hour) before threading the meat. This simple trick prevents them from burning and charring on the hot grill, ensuring your food cooks beautifully without the distraction of smoking skewers.
- Salt the Carrots for Crispness: For a truly exceptional carrot cucumber salad, salting the julienned carrots is a game-changer. The salt draws out excess moisture, enhancing their natural crispness and intensifying their flavor. This creates a more pleasant texture and a more vibrant taste for your salad.
- Kid-Friendly Salad Option: While the dressing adds a delightful tang, many children prefer the simple, fresh taste of plain carrots and cucumbers. Consider setting aside a portion of the julienned vegetables without dressing for the kids, ensuring they get their vitamins in a way they love.
- Monitor Grill Temperature: Achieving that perfect char without overcooking is key. Ensure your grill or skottelbraai is at a medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the outside quickly, locking in juices, but not so hot that it burns before the inside is cooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Place your skewers on the grill with a little space between them. Overcrowding can lower the grill’s temperature and steam the meat instead of searing it, leading to less desirable results. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Check Internal Temperature: For perfectly cooked pork, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Pork tenderloin is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures it’s juicy and tender, not dry.
Why You’ll Love These Asian Pork Skewers with Carrot Cucumber Salad
There are countless reasons why this recipe is about to become a staple in your meal rotation. First and foremost, the flavor profile is absolutely exquisite. The marinade delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, transforming simple pork tenderloin into a gourmet experience. This isn’t just another BBQ recipe; it’s a culinary journey in every bite, promising an exciting twist on traditional grilled meats.
Beyond taste, the ease of preparation is a huge win. From a quick marinade assembly to fast grilling, this dish is designed for efficiency without compromising on quality. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want a homemade, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the minimal cleanup is an added bonus, especially when you’re enjoying the outdoors.
This meal is also incredibly versatile and healthy. Pork tenderloin is a lean protein, and when paired with the fresh, crunchy carrot and cucumber salad, you’ve got a balanced meal that’s light yet satisfying. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. And let’s not forget its adaptability – equally at home at a backyard BBQ, a casual camping trip, or as a vibrant centerpiece for a family dinner.
Finally, the **kid-friendly aspect** makes it a true family favorite. The mild, sweet notes of the marinade and the simple, appealing nature of the salad (especially with the option to serve it plain) mean even the pickiest eaters are likely to find something they love. It’s a fantastic way to introduce fresh vegetables and exciting flavors to everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting Flavor and Freshness
Every great recipe hinges on its ingredients, and this one is no exception. Understanding the role each component plays will help you appreciate the depth of flavor and freshness in this dish:
- Pork Tenderloin: This cut is celebrated for its leanness and tenderness, making it ideal for quick cooking methods like grilling. It absorbs marinades beautifully, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. When cut into even cubes, it cooks quickly and uniformly, perfect for skewers.
- Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce): This Indonesian sweet soy sauce is the backbone of our marinade. It’s thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce, providing a rich, caramel-like sweetness and umami depth that coats the pork wonderfully. Its unique flavor is what truly defines the “Asian” twist in these skewers.
- White Vinegar: In both the marinade and the salad dressing, white vinegar adds a crucial tangy counterpoint. In the marinade, it helps tenderize the pork and balance the sweetness of the Kecap Manis. In the salad, it forms the base of a light, refreshing dressing that brightens the vegetables.
- Carrots: Beyond their vibrant color, carrots bring natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the salad. They are also packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin A. The julienne cut makes them elegant and easy to eat, while the salting technique ensures they remain crisp and flavorful.
- Cucumber: The cool, refreshing quality of cucumber is essential to balancing the richness of the pork. Its high water content and mild flavor make it a perfect companion, adding a delicate crunch and a cooling sensation, especially on a warm day.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Protein Swaps: Not a fan of pork? This marinade works beautifully with chicken breast or thighs, beef sirloin, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust grilling times accordingly.
- Vegetable Skewers: Add bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini chunks to your pork skewers for extra color and flavor. Make sure to cut them similarly sized to the pork for even cooking.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the pork marinade. A finely minced chili to the salad dressing could also add a pleasant kick.
- Herbacious Twist: Garnish the finished skewers or salad with fresh cilantro, mint, or chopped green onions for an extra layer of freshness and aromatic complexity.
What to Serve With Your Skewers and Salad:
- Rice: A simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice is the perfect absorbent companion to soak up any delicious marinade drippings.
- Noodles: Light vermicelli noodles or even quick-cooking ramen (drained and cooled) can be tossed with a light dressing to create a satisfying base.
- Fresh Bread: Crusty baguette or warm pita bread is excellent for soaking up extra juices from the skewers and making this a heartier meal.
- Additional Sides: Consider serving with grilled pineapple slices for a sweet and tangy contrast, or a side of steamed edamame.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pork Skewers
- 3 tablespoons Kecap Manis
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1¼ pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1 × 1 inch (2 x 2 cm) cubes
For the Carrot Cucumber Salad
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 pound carrots
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 cucumber
- 4 leafs iceberg lettuce
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Marinate the Pork
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In a medium bowl, combine the Kecap Manis, white vinegar, sugar, and sunflower oil. Whisk them together until the sugar is fully dissolved and you have a well-blended marinade.3 tablespoons Kecap Manis, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 3 tablespoons sunflower oil
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Add the cubed pork tenderloin to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the pork thoroughly, ensuring that every piece is completely coated. This even coating is key for maximum flavor absorption.1¼ pound pork tenderloin
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Cover the bowl and place the marinated pork in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For an even more intense flavor and tender texture, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water during this time.
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Once marinated, thread the pork pieces onto your pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers. Arrange the meat evenly on each skewer. Keep the threaded skewers in the fridge until you’re ready to grill them.
Prepare the Salad
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For the salad dressing, gently heat the white vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow the dressing to cool completely to room temperature before using. This step ensures a smooth, well-integrated dressing.3 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 teaspoons sugar
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Peel the carrots and trim off both ends. Using a mandoline, a julienne peeler, or a sharp knife, slice the carrots into thin, even strips (julienne style). This consistent cut ensures even texture and elegant presentation.1 pound carrots
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Place the julienned carrots in a colander. Sprinkle them with sea salt, then gently toss to ensure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for 10 minutes; the salt will draw out excess moisture, making the carrots extra crisp and enhancing their natural flavor.1 tablespoon sea salt
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After 10 minutes, rinse the carrots thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This ensures they retain their crispness and aren’t overly salty.
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Peel the cucumber and, using the same method as the carrots, cut it into thin julienne strips.1 cucumber
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In a clean bowl, combine the dried julienned carrots and cucumber.
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Pour the cooled vinegar-sugar dressing over the carrot and cucumber mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure the vegetables are lightly coated. If serving to children, you might want to set aside a portion of plain carrots and cucumbers before adding the dressing.
Grill and Serve
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Preheat your grill or skottelbraai to a medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
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Place the pork skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, rotating frequently, until the pork is beautifully caramelized, cooked through, and slightly pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
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While the skewers are grilling, prepare your serving plates. Place an iceberg lettuce leaf on each plate, with the hollow side facing up to create a natural cup. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh carrot cucumber salad into the lettuce cup.4 leafs iceberg lettuce
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Once grilled to perfection, carefully place 1-2 pork skewers alongside the salad on each plate. Serve immediately with fresh bread, rice, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerator: To keep this dish fresh, store the cooked pork skewers and the prepared carrot cucumber salad separately in airtight containers. They will remain delicious for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked pork (without the skewers, if preferred) for longer storage. It keeps well for up to 2 months. The salad, however, is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to its high water content.
- Reheat: To reheat the pork, remove it from the skewers (if desired) and warm it gently in a frying pan with a little oil over medium heat, or in the oven until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the pork.
2. Make Ahead Tip
- The pork can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, which deepens the flavor even further. The salad vegetables can be prepped (julienned and salted) a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 92mg
Sodium: 1923mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 19006IU
Vitamin C: 9mg
Iron: 2mg
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More Delicious BBQ Recipes to Try
If you loved these Asian Pork Skewers, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more fantastic BBQ recipes from my collection that are perfect for your next outdoor cooking adventure or a delightful meal at home. Expand your grilling repertoire and discover new favorites!
- BBQ Baby Potatoes on Skewers – Grilled Side DishThese grilled baby potato skewers are the perfect crispy, savory side for any BBQ. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
- The Best Steak SandwichSink your teeth into the ultimate steak sandwich, featuring perfectly grilled beef, sweet caramelized onions, and fresh arugula. A hearty and flavorful meal!
- Brined BBQ Salmon Recipe for the GrillDiscover the secret to incredibly moist and flavorful grilled salmon with this easy brining recipe. Perfect for a healthy and impressive BBQ main course.