Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Fresh Herb Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork skewers marinated in a tangy tamarind glaze, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant herb and cucumber salad. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, tamarind paste, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs 1-inch cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between pieces.
  3. Step 3: Brush grill grates with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 thinly sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Toss gently.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled pork skewers hot alongside the fresh herb cucumber salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Fresh Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Fresh Herb Salad?

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 with Fresh Herb Salad?

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 with Fresh Herb Salad 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 with Fresh Herb Salad?

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.

Related recipes