Lemongrass-Grilled Pork Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

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

Tender pork marinated in fragrant lemongrass and grilled to perfection, served with a tangy and sweet Vietnamese nuoc cham sauce. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, finely minced lemongrass stalks, minced garlic cloves 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: 12 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb pork shoulder cubes with 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Grill the pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the edges are slightly charred and pork is cooked through and tender.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the nuoc cham dipping sauce by whisking together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp chopped fresh chili, and 1 minced garlic clove until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is balanced between sour, sweet, and spicy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with the nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemongrass-Grilled Pork Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemongrass-Grilled Pork Skewers with Nuoc Cham 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Pork Skewers with Nuoc Cham 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Pork Skewers with Nuoc Cham 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Pork Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Vietnamese 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.

Related recipes