Chili-Lime Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers
Grilled pork skewers brushed with a tangy tamarind glaze balanced by chili heat and fresh lime zest. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, tamarind paste, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp chili powder, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes and brushing with leftover marinade, until pork is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the skewers before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chili-Lime 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 Chili-Lime 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 tamarind paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Lime 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 Chili-Lime 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 Chili-Lime 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.
