Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce
Grilled pork skewers brushed with a tangy tamarind glaze served alongside a creamy, spiced peanut dipping sauce. This thai-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 52 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin, tamarind paste, honey 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 480 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork tenderloin
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp, for garnish chopped roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
- 6-8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 1 lb cubed pork tenderloin, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together 1/3 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp red curry paste, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers evenly. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with remaining marinade, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Serve the pork skewers drizzled with the spiced peanut sauce, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?
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 Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce?
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 Spiced Peanut Sauce 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.
Is Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spiced Peanut Sauce gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
