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Pinchos Morunos (Spanish Pork Skewers)

These mouthwatering Spanish pork skewers are called pinchos morunos because of their fascinating history. The marinade is a delicious blend of spices, making these the perfect flavorful tapa!
Prep Time2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Lauren Aloise - Spanish Sabores

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin, cleaned of excess fat and veins
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon sweet Spanish paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • juice of half a lemon for marinade
  • lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Trim the pork loin of excess fat, and then cut into 1½ inch cubes. Place the meat in a large freezer bag.
  • Mix the spices, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl, and then pour it into the bag of pork.
  • Seal the bag and massage the pork until it's coated in the marinade. Marinate in the fridge overnight, or for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Remove the marinated pork cubes from the marinade and place on wooden or metal skewers. Leave a little bit of space between each cube of meat.
  • Grill on a grill or in a cast iron skillet over a high heat until browned on the outside but just cooked through. The meat should have an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C). Be careful not to overcook, or they'll be dry!
  • Rest the skewers for 5 minutes, then serve hot with lemon wedges and enjoy.

Notes

  • Try making these skewers with chicken or lamb instead of the pork; it's equally delicious!
  • Experiment with different spices in the marinade based on your tastes and preferences.
  • Let the marinated pork warm up for a few minutes at room temperature before cooking for tender, juicy results.
  • Leftover pinchos keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.  Take them off the skewers if storing for more than 24 hours.
  • Freeze leftover pinchos for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove from the skewer before freezing.