HOW TO GET FLAME-BROILED FLAVOR WITHOUT A GRILL
The frequently overlooked broiler in your oven is for obtaining a lick of flame flavor without a grill. Broilers are similar to an upside-down grill. The flame is open and cooks food from top to bottom in proximity. The broiler is a heating element on electric stoves, providing identical direct heat in very close proximity. The effects on food are similar to grills; you can get it all accomplished from the convenience of your air-conditioned kitchen. WIN!
DO I HAVE TO USE PORK?
Fortunately, I found a “last day” sale on pork chops. I chopped them into cubes to make my Pineapple Pork Kebabs. If you’re not a fan or can find cheaper poultry, the recipe could work equally well with thighs or chicken breasts.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE SKEWERS…
I’ve been using the duplicate 100 bamboo skewers I purchased about five years ago (ha!) I didn’t even consider checking the cost while in the market today. This means that the breakdown of price does not comprise the skewers. I’m guessing the cost will be small. For those who don’t own skewers or cannot afford them, you could simply put the meat and veggies on a pan and then broil them without them until they are browned. Skewers are fun and can make this simple dinner appear more elegant.
INGREDIENTS
Marinade
Two cloves of garlic, chopped ($0.16)
1.25 inches fresh ginger chopped ($0.12)
2 Tbsp soy sauce ($0.30)
Two tablespoons cooking oil ($0.18)
1 Tbsp honey ( $0.12)
Kebabs
1.25 lbs. pork chops that are boneless ($1.96*)
1. Vidalia onion ($0.69)
One green bell pepper ($0.79)
1 20oz. Can pineapple pieces (packed with the juice) ($1.37)
1 Tbsp cooking oils ($0.05)
Salt and pepper ($0.05)
Toppings (optional)
1/2 bunch cilantro ($0.50)
Sriracha (to taste) ($0.50)
INSTRUCTIONS
If you’re using bamboo or wood Skewers, soak them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent scorching under a broiler.
Make the marinade by mending two garlic cloves and grating about an inch of freshly ground ginger in an ice-cold bowl. Add the oil, soy sauce and honey. Mix to combine.
Cut the chops of pork into 1-inch cubes. Place the pork cubes in a bowl or a shallow dish, and add the marinade to the top. Mix until the pork has been covered with the marinade. Cover the dish with a lid and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Cut the bell pepper and onion into 1-inch pieces. The juice should be removed from the chunks of canned pineapple. Place the bell pepper and onion in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of oil and a generous sprinkle of pepper and salt. Toss until coated.
Thread the soaked skewers through the skewers in a series of pieces of bell pepper, onion, pineapple and pork until all ingredients are consumed. Place the skewers in broiler pans or sheet pans and place wire racks on the top.
Set the oven’s rack to ensure the skewers’ tops are 5-6 inches from the grill. Preheat the broiler to high for at least 5 minutes. Put the skewers in the broiler for 5 minutes or until the edges brown. Rotate the skewers, then return to the oven for five minutes. Continue cooking and turning the skewers until they’re evenly brown throughout. *Serve the kebabs with chopped fresh cilantro and drizzle of Sriracha If you like.
