Caramelized Citrus and Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled pork skewers glazed with a sour and sweet tamarind-citrus sauce, balancing bright acidity with rich caramelized edges. This Asian Fusion-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, tamarind paste, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade, until pork is caramelized and cooked through (internal temp 145°F) with slightly charred edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Citrus and Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Citrus and Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Citrus and Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Citrus and Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Citrus and Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers?

Asian Fusion pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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