Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers

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

Succulent pork skewers glazed with a tangy tamarind sauce that balances sour and sweet flavors, grilled to perfection for a smoky finish. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 32 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, tamarind paste, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 12 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed pork shoulder into the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deep flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with remaining marinade, until pork is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind Glazed Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 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 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 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 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 Pork Skewers?

Vietnamese 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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