Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Fresh Herb Salad
Grilled pork skewers brushed with a tangy tamarind glaze paired with a fresh herb salad featuring mint and cilantro for a vibrant balance of flavors. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 27 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 400 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 honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves to create the glaze.
- Step 2: Thread 1 lb cubed pork shoulder onto 8 soaked wooden skewers. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the tamarind glaze each turn, until pork is cooked through and caramelized.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, toss 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small thinly sliced red onion with 2 tbsp lime juice in a small bowl to make the fresh herb salad.
- Step 5: Serve the glazed pork skewers hot alongside the fresh herb salad for a bright contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Fresh Herb Salad 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 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 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 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 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.
