Isan-Style Grilled Pork Neck with Spicy Tamarind Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled pork neck marinated with bold Thai spices served with a tangy, spicy tamarind dipping sauce inspired by Isan cuisine. This thai-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes blends pork neck slices, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh cilantro roots 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb pork neck slices, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped cilantro roots, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp white pepper, and 1 tbsp minced coriander root. Mix well and marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork neck slices for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove and let rest.
  3. Step 3: For the dipping sauce, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp palm sugar, 1/4 cup water, 3 chopped bird’s eye chilies, 1 tbsp toasted rice powder, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is tangy and spicy.
  4. Step 4: Plate the grilled pork neck and serve with the tamarind dipping sauce, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves for a refreshing contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Isan-Style Grilled Pork Neck with Spicy Tamarind 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 Isan-Style Grilled Pork Neck with Spicy Tamarind 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 Isan-Style Grilled Pork Neck with Spicy Tamarind 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 Isan-Style Grilled Pork Neck with Spicy Tamarind 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 Isan-Style Grilled Pork Neck with Spicy Tamarind Dipping Sauce?

Thai grilling 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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