Dinner

Bacon Wrapped Pork Skewers

Recipe Image 3

These skewers are basically the lovechild of every backyard barbecue dream you’ve ever had – tender pork loin wrapped in crispy bacon and kissed with smoky BBQ goodness.

Picture this: juicy pork cubes seasoned with sweet BBQ rub, each one getting its own bacon blanket before hitting the grill for that perfect caramelized finish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you’re essentially wrapping meat in more meat, which is basically a guaranteed win in anyone’s book.

That spicy BBQ sauce glaze creates this incredible sticky, caramelized coating that makes each bite absolutely irresistible.

Your kitchen (or backyard) will smell like a professional smokehouse, and you’ll look like you’ve been grilling for decades even if you can barely operate a gas grill.

Fair warning: these disappear faster than you can make them, so you might want to double the recipe and hide a few for yourself before serving.

Ingredients

For the Pork

1 lb pork loin, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tbsp olive oil, for coating and moisture
1 tbsp sweet BBQ rub, for seasoning

For Assembly

1 pkg bacon, ends trimmed
Wooden or metal skewers for threading

For the Glaze

2 tbsp spicy BBQ sauce, for that caramelized finish

Instructions

Preparation

1 Cut the pork loin into strips using a sharp chef’s knife on a quality cutting board, then cube the strips into even bite-size pieces about 1-inch square. It’s crucial to get the cubes roughly the same size so the pork cooks evenly – inconsistent sizing leads to some pieces being overcooked while others remain underdone.
2 In a large mixing bowl, season the pork cubes with the 1 tablespoon sweet BBQ rub, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and mix together thoroughly using clean hands or a silicone spatula. The olive oil helps the seasoning adhere and prevents the pork from drying out during grilling.

Assembly

3 Cut off the ends of the bacon strips using kitchen shears or a sharp knife – this removes any tough or uneven portions that won’t wrap properly. Each strip should be long enough to wrap around a pork cube with slight overlap.
4 Wrap each seasoned pork piece with a bacon strip, ensuring the bacon overlaps slightly for secure coverage. Thread the wrapped pork onto skewers, piercing through the bacon seam to help it stay folded together during cooking. Use either soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers – if using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Grilling

5 Heat up your grill to 350°F (175°C) using indirect heat setup. For gas grills, light one side and cook on the unlit side. For charcoal, bank coals to one side and cook on the opposite side. This prevents flare-ups from bacon fat and ensures even cooking.
6 Place the skewers on the cooler side of the grill and cook for 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. The bacon should be getting crispy and the pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Finishing

7 Brush the skewers generously with 2 tablespoons spicy BBQ sauce using a silicone brush, coating all sides. Continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes until the sauce caramelizes and becomes glossy, creating that perfect sticky glaze.
8 Remove the skewers from the grill using tongs and transfer to a clean platter. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving – this allows the juices to redistribute and prevents burning your tongue on molten bacon fat.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Recommended Tools (for best results)

Sharp chef’s knife – Essential for cutting uniform pork cubes that cook evenly
Cutting board with juice groove to contain any pork drippings during prep
Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of doneness and ensures food safety
Silicone basting brush – Won’t melt like natural bristles when applying the BBQ glaze

Helpful Upgrades

Metal skewers – Conduct heat to cook from the inside out and won’t burn like wooden ones
Cast iron grill grates – Provide superior heat retention and those coveted grill marks
Digital kitchen scale – For precise portioning if you’re scaling the recipe up or down
Grill basket – Prevents smaller pieces from falling through grate gaps

Nice-to-Have Options

Meat claws – Make shredding any leftover pork effortless for sandwiches or salads
Aluminum foil – Create heat tents if bacon is browning too quickly
Storage containers – These reheat beautifully for meal prep throughout the week

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Flavor Profile Variations

Asian-Inspired: Replace BBQ rub with five-spice powder and glaze with teriyaki sauce mixed with sriracha
Mediterranean Style: Season with oregano, garlic powder, and finish with balsamic glaze
Cajun Kick: Use blackening seasoning instead of BBQ rub and finish with hot honey glaze
Sweet & Smoky: Add brown sugar to the rub and use maple syrup mixed with chipotle peppers

Protein Alternatives

Chicken thighs – Cut into chunks, increase cooking time to 25-30 minutes
Beef sirloin – Use same timing but aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare
Turkey breast – Lean option, cook to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
Lamb leg – Rich flavor that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean seasonings

Bacon Substitutions

Turkey bacon – Lower fat option, may need oil spray to prevent sticking
Pancetta – Italian alternative that’s less smoky but equally delicious
Prosciutto – Thin slices that crisp quickly, reduce cooking time by 5 minutes

Cooking Method Adaptations

Oven method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) on wire rack over sheet pan for 20-25 minutes
Air fryer: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each serving provides approximately 320 calories with 28 grams of high-quality protein from the pork loin and bacon combination. The pork loin contributes lean protein while the bacon adds flavor and satisfying fats. This recipe delivers 22 grams of fat and minimal carbohydrates, making it naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Pork loin is an excellent source of thiamine (Vitamin B1), essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. It also provides significant amounts of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and thyroid health. The protein content supports muscle maintenance and provides all essential amino acids your body needs. While bacon is higher in sodium and saturated fat, it contributes niacin (Vitamin B3) and phosphorus for bone health.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with common food sensitivities. The high protein content helps with satiety, potentially supporting weight management goals. The minimal processing required preserves most of the nutrients in the pork. For heart health, consider using center-cut bacon which contains less sodium and fat than regular bacon varieties.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Pork loin → Pork tenderloin (reduce cooking time by 5 minutes) or chicken breast (same timing)
Sweet BBQ rub → Paprika + brown sugar + garlic powder in equal parts
Spicy BBQ sauce → Regular BBQ sauce + hot sauce to taste
Olive oil → Avocado oil for higher smoke point or melted butter for richer flavor

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Bacon → Turkey bacon (half the price, similar flavor profile)
Pork loin → Pork shoulder cut into cubes (more marbling, longer cooking time)
Commercial BBQ rub → Homemade blend using pantry spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

BBQ sauce → Ketchup + Worcestershire + hot sauce + brown sugar
BBQ rub → Salt, pepper, paprika, and any herbs you have on hand
Fresh pork → Leftover cooked pork, just reduce initial cooking time to focus on crisping bacon

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store homemade spice blends in airtight containers for up to 6 months
When using leaner meats, add an extra teaspoon of oil to prevent drying
Taste-test any sauce substitutions before glazing all skewers

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Content Analysis:

Original recipe: Less than 2g carbs per serving, primarily from BBQ sauce
Modified version: Under 1g carbs per serving with sugar-free alternatives

Sauce Modifications:

Replace regular BBQ sauce with sugar-free BBQ sauce (reduces carbs by 3-4g per serving)
Make homemade glaze using tomato paste + apple cider vinegar + stevia + spices
Use hot sauce mixed with olive oil for a zero-carb finishing option

Seasoning Adjustments:

Check BBQ rub labels – some contain added sugars
Make homemade rub with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne
Add smoked paprika for barbecue flavor without any carbs

Portion & Timing Tips:

Ideal serving: 4-5 skewers provide 28g protein with minimal carb impact
Pair with: Grilled vegetables or leafy green salad to add fiber
Blood sugar impact: Protein and fat help stabilize glucose levels

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version contains 85% fewer carbs than original

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complements the smoky, savory flavors beautifully, while beer lovers should reach for an IPA or porter that can stand up to the bacon’s richness. For non-alcoholic options, iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with lime cuts through the fat perfectly. Cold brew coffee surprisingly works well with the BBQ flavors for outdoor brunches.

Side Dish Recommendations

Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter provides sweet contrast to the savory skewers, while coleslaw adds crucial crunch and acidity. Roasted sweet potato wedges complement the BBQ flavors, and grilled asparagus offers a lighter vegetable option. Garlic bread or cornbread rounds out the barbecue theme perfectly.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with jalapeño poppers or loaded potato skins as appetizers that match the indulgent theme. Follow with these skewers alongside baked beans and mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food spread. End with s’mores or grilled peach cobbler to maintain that outdoor cooking vibe.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for summer barbecues, tailgating parties, or casual weekend dinners. These work beautifully for Father’s Day celebrations or game day gatherings where hearty, handheld foods shine.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Grilling Secrets

Create a two-zone fire to prevent bacon flare-ups while ensuring even cooking – this technique is used in professional kitchens worldwide. Oil your grill grates with a paper towel dipped in high-heat oil to prevent sticking. Rotate skewers every 5 minutes for even browning, and always let meat rest after cooking to redistribute juices.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Problem: Bacon burns before pork cooks through. Solution: Use indirect heat and wrap any over-browning areas with small pieces of aluminum foil. Problem: Pork dries out. Solution: Don’t skip the olive oil coating and avoid overcooking – pork is safe at 145°F (63°C).

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, or use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes bacon soggy.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Assemble skewers up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Let them come to room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling. The seasoned pork actually improves in flavor when marinated overnight.

Recipe Scaling

This recipe doubles or triples easily – just ensure adequate grill space for even cooking. For larger crowds, consider using a grill basket to manage multiple skewers efficiently.

These bacon wrapped pork skewers prove that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones – just quality ingredients treated with respect and cooked with confidence. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, these skewers deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making every bite a perfect combination of smoky, savory, and satisfying goodness.