Vietnamese-Style Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers
Tender pork marinated in aromatic lemongrass and spices, then grilled to perfection for a flavorful Vietnamese street food experience. This vietnamese-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, minced garlic cloves, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 3, white parts finely minced lemongrass stalks
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes bamboo skewers
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder, 3 finely minced white parts of lemongrass stalks, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Mix well and marinate covered in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork slices onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers, folding the slices as needed to fit.
- Step 3: Grill the pork skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until edges are slightly charred and pork is cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove from grill and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the top for bright acidity.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vietnamese-Style 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-Style 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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Style 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-Style 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-Style Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers?
Vietnamese grilling 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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