Southern Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers

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

Tender pork marinated in fragrant lemongrass and grilled to smoky perfection, capturing the bold flavors of Southern Vietnam. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 31 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, garlic cloves, minced, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 16 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb cubed pork shoulder with 3 stalks finely minced lemongrass, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil; mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers, dividing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, about 12-16 minutes total.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 31 minutes (15 min prep + 16 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 Southern Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass 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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass 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 Southern Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass 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 Southern Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers?

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.

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