Lemongrass-Glazed Pork Skewers with Lime
Juicy pork shoulder marinated in lemongrass and lime, grilled to caramelized perfection and served with steamed jasmine rice. This lao-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork shoulder, stalks lemongrass, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder
- 4 stalks lemongrass
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 lime wedges
- 1/4 cup cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 stalks lemongrass (finely minced), 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 garlic cloves (minced), and 1 tsp grated ginger. Whisk until sugar dissolves, then add 1.5 lbs pork shoulder (cut into 1-inch cubes) and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 3: Thread 1.5 lbs pork shoulder cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers (soaked 30 minutes in water), then heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Step 4: Place skewers on grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until pork is cooked through and edges are golden brown.
- Step 5: Transfer to platter, garnish with 1/4 cup cilantro, and serve with 4 lime wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemongrass-Glazed Pork Skewers with Lime take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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 Lemongrass-Glazed Pork Skewers with Lime?
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 pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemongrass-Glazed Pork Skewers with Lime?
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 Lemongrass-Glazed Pork Skewers with Lime 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 Lemongrass-Glazed Pork Skewers with Lime?
Lao 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.
