Northlake Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers

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

Tender pork marinated in a tangy tamarind sauce, grilled to smoky perfection, and served with a sweet-spicy dipping sauce. This thai ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, tamarind paste, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and 1 finely chopped lemongrass stalk to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 600 g 1-inch pork shoulder cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is charred at edges and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and serve hot with a side of sweet chili sauce or fresh cucumber salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Northlake Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers 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 Northlake Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers?

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 Northlake Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers?

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 Northlake Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers 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 Northlake Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers?

Thai thai 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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