Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers
Juicy pork skewers marinated in a tangy tamarind glaze, grilled to perfection with a balanced sweet and sour finish. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, tamarind paste, brown sugar 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and charred at edges. Brush with leftover marinade during grilling to enhance glaze.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 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 tamarind paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers?
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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