Obst-Schnitzel-Grillspieße: Fruit Skewers with Bacon

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, where culinary adventures meet everyday delights. Today, we’re diving into a flavorful, colorful, and slightly exotic dish that combines tender meat, sweet fruits, smoky bacon, and a hint of spicy chili. The Obst-Schnitzel-Grillspieße (Fruit Schnitzel Skewers with Bacon and Pineapple) are perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or sophisticated outdoor dinners. This recipe masterfully balances savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, resulting in a vibrant skewered dish that can delight a wide range of palates. Whether you’re an experienced griller or a home cook eager for new flavor combinations, these skewers promise both visual appeal and an explosion of tastes with every bite.

Needed Equipment

• Barbecue grill or outdoor charcoal/gas grill
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowls
• Basting brush or pastry brush
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Tongs for turning
• Measuring spoons
• Juice and zester for lemon
• Grill cleaning brush
• Serving platter

Tags

Barbecue, Skewers, Summer Grilling, Fruit and Meat, Bacon Wrap, Easy Dinner, Party Food, Outdoor Cooking, Spicy, Sweet, Savory, Healthy, Family Friendly

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, with each serving consisting of 2 skewers. Serve generously with your favorite sides and sauces to complete the meal.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. While the process is straightforward, achieving perfect grill marks and balancing the flavors requires attention to detail, especially during the marination and grilling process.

Allergen Information

• Contains gluten if bread or soy-based marinations are added (not in current recipe)
• Contains sulfites from dried fruits (backpflaumen)
• Contains bacon (pork), suitable for non-vegetarians

Dietary Preference

Gluten-Free: Yes (if using gluten-free bacon and ensuring no cross-contamination)

Pork-based dish: Yes

Vegetarian: No

Vegan: No

Low-Carb: Moderate (due to pineapple and dried fruits)

Course

Main Course / Barbecue / Party Appetizer

Cuisine

European / International / Barbecue

Ingredients

Meat and Fruits

For the Marinade and Basting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Fruits

Start by selecting a good quality pork schnitzel, preferably tenderloin, or pork tenderloin that has been thinly sliced or pounded to an even thickness. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the meat into roughly 2-inch cubes. Consistency in size is essential for even cooking and visual appeal when skewering.

Next, prepare the dried backpflaumen by rehydrating if necessary. While dried plums are naturally sweet and chewy, soaking them briefly in warm water for about 10 minutes can soften their texture and make them more palatable. Drain well before wrapping with bacon.

Take each dried plum and tightly wrap it with a slice of breakfast bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary, though it generally stays in place due to the wrapping. These bacon-wrapped plums will add smoky, salty flavor alongside sweetness.

For the fresh pineapple, cut into segments or chunks, approximately 1-inch pieces. Be sure to remove the core and skin, leaving only the sweet pineapple flesh. The pineapple adds a tropical tang and balances the richness of the bacon and pork.

Step 2: Prepare the Chili Oil Marinade

Remove the stem and seeds from the red chili pepper using a small knife or spoon. The seeds are often the hottest part, so removing them moderates the spice level, but keep some if you prefer a spicier dish.

Slice the chili into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch wide. In a small mixing bowl, combine the chili strips with 4 tablespoons of oil. Add the grated lemon zest and squeeze the lemon to extract about 2 tablespoons of juice. Mix thoroughly to create a vibrant, flavorful chili oil marinade.

This marinade acts as a basting sauce that will impart a spicy, citrusy aroma to the skewers during grilling. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Now, assemble the skewers by alternating the meat, bacon-wrapped dried plums, and pineapple chunks. For each skewer, thread on the following sequence: pork cube, bacon-wrapped plum, pineapple piece, and repeat, ending with a piece of pork or pineapple depending on length.

Ensure the ingredients are tightly packed but not overcrowded, allowing space for heat circulation during grilling. Use four skewers in total, dividing the ingredients evenly among them.

Once assembled, gently brush or spoon the prepared chili oil marinade over all the skewers, coating them evenly with flavorful oil. This ensures each skewer receives the spicy citrus aroma and helps keep the ingredients moist during grilling.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 180–200°C or 350–400°F). Clean the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and to achieve beautiful grill marks.

Place the skewers on the grill, turning them frequently with tongs or using a basting brush to apply more chili oil marinade. Grill from all sides for about 8 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through, the bacon is crisp, and the fruits are caramelized.

During grilling, monitor the heat carefully and adjust as needed. If flare-ups occur due to bacon drippings, move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill or temporarily lower the heat until the flames subside.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 70°C (160°F) for safety and optimal tenderness.

Preparation Tips

• Choosing the right meat: Opt for tender cuts like pork tenderloin or high-quality schnitzel. Avoid overly fatty cuts which may cause uneven cooking.
• Fruit preparation: Use fresh pineapple for sweetness and moisture. If using canned pineapple, drain excess syrup thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that can hinder proper charring.
• Marinating: Although the chili oil marinade is used mainly for basting, you can also marinate the pork cubes with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for an hour beforehand for added flavor.
• Skewering: To prevent the ingredients from spinning or falling apart, thread them tightly and evenly. Use skewers with a sharp tip for easier piercing.
• Grill management: Keep the lid closed during grilling to maintain consistent heat and facilitate caramelization of the fruits and meat.
• Serving: Rest the skewers for 2–3 minutes after removing from the grill to allow the juices to settle.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Preventing burning: Baste frequently and maintain a manageable grill temperature to avoid burning the bacon or fruits.
• Adjust spice level: If you prefer milder flavors, remove most of the chili seeds or reduce the chili quantity in the marinade.
• Adding herbs: Consider sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley atop the grilled skewers for added freshness.
• Alternative fruits: Swap pineapple for mango chunks or apricots for a different twist.
• Vegetarian version: Replace meat with firm tofu cubes pre-marinated in lemon and chili oil for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Add-ons and Variations

• Serve with a side of creamy curry sauce for extra richness.
• Offer a yogurt-based dipping sauce flavored with coriander and lime to complement the spicy skewers.
• Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for additional texture.
• Marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Fresh mixed green salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions
• Herbed rice or couscous
• Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries
• Spiced flatbread or pita chips

Improvements

To elevate the dish further, consider the following enhancements:

• Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the chili marinade for a smokier flavor.
• Marinate the pork cubes in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs overnight for more depth.
• Add a splash of honey or maple syrup to the chili oil for a sweeter glaze.
• Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil after grilling for freshness.

Save and Store

If preparing ahead of time, keep the meat, fruits, and bacon separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the skewers just before grilling. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 days, but note that reheating may cause the bacon to lose its crispness. For best results, reheat in a hot oven or on a grill for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQ

Can I replace pork with chicken or turkey?

Absolutely. Use boneless chicken breast or turkey chunks, adjusting cooking time as needed to ensure thorough cooking. Chicken and turkey tend to cook faster, so keep an eye on the grill to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the chili used and whether seeds are included. Removing seeds results in a milder dish. You can also add more chili for increased heat or substitute with milder peppers like bell peppers for less spiciness.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the pork with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate them in lemon juice and chili oil in advance for flavor absorption. Wrap the dried backpflaumen with vegetarian bacon options or omit bacon for a purely fruit and vegetable skewers.

What is the best way to prevent the bacon from burning during grilling?

Use moderate heat, and turn the skewers frequently. If flare-ups occur, move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat. Pre-cooking the bacon slightly before wrapping can also reduce flare-ups.

Conclusion

This Obst-Schnitzel-Grillspieße recipe exemplifies the perfect harmony of flavors and textures—succulent pork, smoky bacon, juicy pineapple, sweet dried plums, and spicy chili zest—pitched on a skewer, ready to captivate family and friends at your next barbecue. The thoughtful balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes makes it versatile for various occasions, whether casual backyard cookouts or elegant outdoor dining. The creative use of fruits alongside traditional grilling ingredients reflects a modern approach to outdoor cuisine, embracing health, flavor complexity, and visual appeal.

Remember, the key to success with these skewers is meticulous ingredient preparation, attentive grilling, and embracing the vibrant flavor profile that comes from the interplay of heat, sweet fruits, savory meat, and fiery chili. Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, and marinades to make this dish your signature summer creation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

References

For further reading on grilling techniques and flavor pairings, see:

• “The Barbecue Bible” by Steven Raichlen
• “Mastering the Art of Grilling” by Christopher Kimball