Spicy Tamarind and Starfruit Glazed Pork Skewers

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

Grilled pork skewers brushed with a tangy and spicy glaze made from sour tamarind and fresh starfruit for a unique tropical flavor. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 32 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh starfruit, sliced, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 1/2 cup fresh starfruit slices, 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend until smooth to create a sour and spicy glaze.
  2. Step 2: Thread 1 lb of 1-inch cubed pork tenderloin evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers. Brush the pork cubes generously with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and season lightly with salt.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 minutes per side, brushing with the tamarind-starfruit glaze every turn, until pork is cooked through and has a shiny, sticky coating.
  4. Step 4: Remove skewers and let rest 5 minutes before serving, allowing the sour glaze to penetrate and intensify the spicy, citrus flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tamarind and Starfruit Glazed Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Spicy Tamarind and Starfruit Glazed 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 tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tamarind and Starfruit Glazed 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 Spicy Tamarind and Starfruit Glazed 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 Spicy Tamarind and Starfruit Glazed Pork Skewers?

Asian Fusion 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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