Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pickled Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork skewers marinated in a tangy tamarind glaze grilled to perfection, served alongside crisp, quick-pickled vegetables for contrast. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 1/2 pounds of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare quick pickled vegetables by combining 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then cool.
  4. Step 4: Place 1 large julienned carrot and 1 medium thinly sliced cucumber in a jar or bowl and pour the cooled pickling liquid over them. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  6. Step 6: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F.
  7. Step 7: Serve the tamarind-glazed pork skewers immediately with the pickled vegetables on the side for a bright, tangy contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pickled Vegetables 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 Pickled Vegetables?

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 Pickled Vegetables?

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 Pickled Vegetables 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 Pickled Vegetables?

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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