Puerto Rican Style Souvlaki

Ingredients

While the original Greek Souvlaki is traditionally made with pork, our Puerto Rican adaptation introduces a variety of meats such as chicken, beef, or even shrimp. The marinade is infused with Puerto Rican spices and tropical ingredients like citrus fruits and cilantro, giving it a unique island flair. Additionally, instead of serving it with tzatziki sauce, we pair it with a zesty pineapple salsa to enhance the tropical experience. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) boneless pork loin or chicken breast, cut into cubes 1 pound (450g) boneless pork loin or chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pineapple juice 1/4 cup (60ml) pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup (60g) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) red bell pepper, finely chopped 1/4 cup (40g) red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) green bell pepper, finely chopped 1/4 cup (40g) green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) pineapple, finely chopped 1/4 cup (40g) pineapple, finely chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the cubed pork or chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, chopped cilantro, red onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and pineapple. Mix well to create the pineapple salsa. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Thread the marinated pork or chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
6. 6.
   Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Puerto Rican Style Souvlaki with the pineapple salsa on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork or Chicken — Ensure the meat is cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Orange and Lime Juice — Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Serve the Puerto Rican Style Souvlaki with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different meats and seafood to create your own unique variations.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Style Souvlaki as a main dish, accompanied by warm tortillas or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle with a little extra marinade, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve the pineapple salsa in a separate bowl alongside the skewers for a colorful and appetizing presentation.