Grilled Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce
Tender pork skewers grilled and coated in a tangy tamarind glaze, served with a creamy, spiced peanut dipping sauce. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, tamarind paste, honey into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons tamarind paste, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1.5 pounds cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce by mixing 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/3 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred around the edges.
- Step 5: Serve the skewers hot with the spiced peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?
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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce 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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?
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.
