Grilled Thai Pork Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Tender, marinated pork skewers grilled to smoky perfection, served alongside a savory and slightly sweet peanut dipping sauce. This thai-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, soy sauce, brown sugar 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 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 bamboo skewers, soaked
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork slices onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers, folding the meat to fit.
- Step 3: Grill the pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, turning once.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1/3 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp red curry paste, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until smooth and warmed through.
- Step 5: Serve grilled pork skewers hot with peanut dipping sauce sprinkled with 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Thai Pork Skewers with Peanut Dipping 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 Thai Pork Skewers with Peanut Dipping 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 Thai Pork Skewers with Peanut Dipping 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 Thai Pork Skewers with Peanut Dipping 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 Thai Pork Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce?
Thai 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.