Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

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

Grilled pork skewers marinated in tamarind and spices, served with a rich, spicy peanut dipping sauce perfect for an appetizer or snack. This Thai-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, tamarind paste, soy sauce 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers.
  3. Step 3: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, internal temperature reaching 145°F. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare dipping sauce by whisking together 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp red curry paste, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp fish sauce, and 1/2 tsp chili flakes until smooth and well combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve the tamarind-glazed pork skewers hot with the spicy peanut dipping sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Pork Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spicy 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 Spicy 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.

What goes well with Tamarind-Glazed Pork Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Thai 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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