Thai-Inspired Tamarind and Chili Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers

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

Sweet, sour, and spicy pork skewers glazed with a rich tamarind and chili sauce, perfect for an aromatic and flavorful meal. This thai-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cubed, tamarind paste, brown sugar 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil to create a balanced sour, sweet, and spicy marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization, until pork reaches 145°F internally and glaze thickens and slightly chars.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with fresh lime wedges to enhance the tamarind's sour notes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai-Inspired Tamarind and Chili Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers 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 Thai-Inspired Tamarind and Chili Glazed Grilled 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 pork shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai-Inspired Tamarind and Chili Glazed Grilled 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 Thai-Inspired Tamarind and Chili Glazed Grilled 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 Thai-Inspired Tamarind and Chili Glazed Grilled Pork Skewers?

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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