Pan-Fried Burmese Pork Skewers with Tamarind Glaze

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

Tender pork skewers marinated in Burmese spices and pan-fried, then brushed with a tangy tamarind glaze for a flavorful street food experience. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, tamarind paste, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork skewers and pan-fry for 3-4 minutes per side until the pork is cooked through and nicely browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: While cooking, brush the skewers occasionally with any remaining marinade to create a glossy tamarind glaze.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Burmese Pork Skewers with Tamarind Glaze 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 Pan-Fried Burmese Pork Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?

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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Burmese Pork Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?

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 Pan-Fried Burmese Pork Skewers with Tamarind Glaze 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 Pan-Fried Burmese Pork Skewers with Tamarind Glaze?

Asian 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.

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