Lunch: Grilled Pork and Pineapple Skewers with Achiote Sauce

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Pineapple

Health and fertility benefits of Grilled Pork and Pineapple Skewers with Achiote Sauce

Pineapples are loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Ingredients

Wooden skewers
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon achiote ( annatto) seeds
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon seeded and finely chopped jarred aji amarillo peppers or fresh habanero
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 pound pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large red onion, quartered, halved, and cut crosswise
1 head butter lettuce, such as Bibb or Boston
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Put wooden skewers in a pan of water for 30 minutes, so they don't burn on the grill.
Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the achiote seeds. Turn off the heat and let the seeds steep until the oil turns a vibrant orange-red, about 5 minutes. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a blender: discard the seeds. Add the vinegar, garlic, aji amarillo, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover the blender and puree until well combined.
Place the pork in a resealable gallon-sized plastic bag. Add the achiote marinade, turn the bag to coat the pork, squeeze out the air, and seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high (you may also preheat the oven broiler.)
Remove the pork from the marinade; discard the marinade. Thread the pork onto the skewers alternating with the pineapple and red onions. Grill (or broil) the pork skewers until they are browned on all sides, 4 to 6 minutes total cooking time. Take care not to overcook or the pork will become tough and dry. Serve the pork skewers on a bed of lettuce leaves and garnish with lime wedges. Pull the pork off the skewers onto a lettuce leaf and eat like a taco. For a great presentation, stick the skewers into a whole pineapple and put on the table with the lettuce and lime on the side.

Add a review for Grilled Pork and Pineapple Skewers with Achiote Sauce