Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Skewers
These aromatic Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Skewers bring together the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass with savory pork for a perfect summer grilling recipe. This Southeast Asian street food classic is easy to make at home and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
✔ Ingredients (Serves 4) :
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 4 stalks lemongrass, finely minced (white parts only)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
✔ Directions :
- Prepare the pork by slicing it into thin strips approximately 1/4 inch thick and 2-3 inches long. Place in a large bowl.
- Create the marinade by combining minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, black pepper, and chopped shallots in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well blended.
- Pour the marinade over the pork strips and add the chopped cilantro. Mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, this step can be skipped.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F).
- Thread the marinated pork onto skewers, weaving the meat back and forth in an “S” pattern.
- Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the pork is cooked through and has nice char marks.
- Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with dipping sauce if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Marinating Time: 2-24 hours |
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes | Calories: 310 kcal per serving
✔ Frequently Asked Questions :
1. Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with pork belly or pork loin. Pork belly will give a richer, fattier flavor, while pork loin will be leaner. Just be careful not to overcook leaner cuts as they can dry out quickly.
2. How can I make these skewers if I don’t have a grill? These skewers can easily be cooked under a broiler in your oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil, position the rack about 6 inches from the heating element, and broil for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Is there a substitute for fish sauce? While fish sauce provides an authentic flavor, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of anchovy paste. For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce with a splash of lime juice to achieve a similar umami flavor with acidity.
4. Can I prepare the skewers in advance for a party? Absolutely! You can marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance and thread them onto skewers a few hours before cooking. Keep them refrigerated until ready to grill.
5. What dipping sauce goes well with these skewers? A traditional nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) complements these skewers perfectly. Mix 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 thinly sliced Thai chili.
✔ Tools You’ll Need :
- Sharp knife for slicing pork
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl for marinating
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk for mixing marinade
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Grill or broiler
- Tongs for flipping skewers
- Serving platter
✔ Tips for Success :
- Slice the pork against the grain for more tender bites
- The thinner you slice the meat, the more flavorful and quicker cooking it will be
- For best results, allow meat to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling
- Don’t skip the marinating time – this is essential for developing flavor
- When mincing lemongrass, use only the pale, lower portions of the stalks as the upper parts are too fibrous
- If lemongrass is difficult to find fresh, look for tubes of prepared lemongrass paste in the produce section
- Serve with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a complete meal
- These skewers pair wonderfully with pickled vegetables for a balance of flavors
✔ Allergy Information :
- Contains fish (fish sauce)
- Contains soy (soy sauce)
- May contain traces of shellfish depending on fish sauce brand
- Gluten present in soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
- Free from dairy, nuts, and eggs
✔ Conclusion :
These Vietnamese Lemongrass Pork Skewers bring a taste of Southeast Asian street food right to your backyard. The combination of aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and savory pork creates a dish that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a special weeknight dinner, these flavorful skewers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share your experience, we’d love to see how your skewers turn out and hear about any personal touches you added to make this recipe your own!
