Thai-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

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

Juicy grilled pork skewers marinated in Thai spices, served with a creamy, spicy peanut dipping sauce for a flavorful appetizer or main dish. This thai-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, soy sauce, fish sauce 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped lemongrass stalk, and 1/2 tsp ground white pepper. Mix until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, toss well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/3 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp red curry paste, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir continuously until smooth and warmed through.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled pork skewers with the spicy peanut sauce on the side, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Thai-Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Spicy 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 Thai-Style Grilled 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 Thai-Style Grilled 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 Thai-Style Grilled 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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