The first time I made these sweet and sour pork skewers, my husband actually paused mid-bite and said, “Okay, this one’s a keeper.” And honestly? I knew it was. The pork is juicy and savory, and that tangy-sweet glaze caramelizes just enough on the grill to make each bite ridiculously good.

It reminds me of our Friday takeout nights — but fresher, healthier, and so much more satisfying. Now it’s a go-to summer dinner when we want something fun, kid-friendly, and packed with flavor. 

Ingredients

For the Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or tenderloin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

• 1 red onion, cut into chunks

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak 30 mins in water)

For the Sweet and Sour Glaze:

• ¼ cup ketchup

• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).

2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, mix ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Set aside.

3. Toss the pork cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble skewers: Alternate pork, peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks on each skewer.

5. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until pork is cooked through (145°F inside).

6. Brush with glaze during the last few minutes of grilling, letting it caramelize slightly.

7. Serve hot, with extra glaze on the side if desired.

Sarah’s Tips

• You can prep the skewers in the morning and keep them chilled until dinnertime — so easy when life gets busy!

• No grill? Roast in the oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes on a foil-lined sheet pan.

• These pair beautifully with rice, cauliflower rice, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 18g

• Fat: 19g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 12g