Grilled Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce

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Tender pork skewers grilled and coated in a tangy tamarind glaze, served with a creamy, spiced peanut dipping sauce. This Asian Fusion-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, tamarind paste, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. 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.
  5. 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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?

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 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.

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