Spicy Tamarind and Vinegar Glazed Pork Skewers

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

Juicy pork skewers coated in a tangy, sour glaze made from tamarind paste and vinegar, balanced with a kick of chili for bold flavor. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, tamarind paste, white vinegar 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 Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp salt until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade. Toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto skewers, brushing each with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with remaining marinade, until pork is cooked through and caramelized at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with fresh lime wedges.

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 Spicy Tamarind and Vinegar Glazed 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 Spicy Tamarind and Vinegar 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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Tamarind and Vinegar 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 Vinegar 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 Vinegar 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.

Related recipes