Thai Style Grilled Pork Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1, finely chopped lemongrass stalk
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp, for garnish chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.