Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy pork skewers marinated in tangy tamarind glaze grilled to perfection and served with a fresh pineapple salsa that balances sweet and spicy notes. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, tamarind paste, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until nicely charred and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 minced seeded jalapeño in a bowl. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled pork skewers topped with fresh pineapple salsa for a vibrant contrast of smoky and sweet flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Pineapple Salsa 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 Pineapple Salsa?

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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