Grilled Laotian Beef Skewers with Tamarind Glaze
Tender beef skewers marinated in a tangy tamarind and garlic sauce, grilled to smoky perfection and served with fresh herbs. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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, thinly sliced into 1-inch strips beef sirloin
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well blended.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin strips to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated beef strips onto the soaked wooden skewers, folding the strips to fit.
- Step 4: Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a smoky char and are cooked through but still tender.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the skewers. Serve immediately with sticky rice or fresh vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Laotian Beef Skewers with Tamarind Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Laotian Beef Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?
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 Grilled Laotian Beef Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?
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 Grilled Laotian Beef Skewers with Tamarind Glaze 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 Grilled Laotian Beef Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?
Asian beef 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.
