Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers

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

Tender pork marinated in fragrant lemongrass and spices, grilled to juicy perfection and served with a fresh dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs pork shoulder, lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 1.5 lbs thinly sliced pork shoulder strips and toss well to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork strips onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the pork is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Remove from grill, squeeze juice of 1 lime over the skewers, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving alongside steamed jasmine rice or fresh vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers?

Vietnamese 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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