Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers Recipe

The Zesty Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers Recipe You’ll Love

Savory thai-style ground pork skewers burst with unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Fragrant herbs and zesty spices create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite.

Succulent meat blends perfectly with traditional Southeast Asian seasonings.

Street food inspiration meets home cooking magic in this simple yet impressive dish.

Perfectly grilled and packed with authentic Thai aromatics, these skewers offer a quick culinary adventure.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction await you in this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become a new favorite.

What Makes Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers Stand Out

  • Savor Global Flavors: Dive into an exciting Thai-inspired dish that brings authentic international taste right to your kitchen without complex techniques.
  • Master Quick Grilling: Create restaurant-quality skewers in minutes with simple ingredients and basic grilling skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Customize Your Meal: Flexible recipe allows personalized dipping sauce choices, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Packed with bold spices and aromatic herbs, these ground pork skewers guarantee a delicious protein option for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What’s Inside Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers

Protein Base:
  • Ground Pork: Fresh meat that serves as the primary protein for the skewers.
Herbs and Aromatics:
  • Cilantro, Garlic: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add bright and pungent flavors to the meat mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Salty, umami, and sweet components that create a complex Thai-style flavor profile.
  • Lime Zest: Citrusy ingredient that provides a fresh, tangy accent to the meat.
Spice Mixture:
  • Coriander, Cumin, Black Pepper: Warm and earthy spices that enhance the overall depth of flavor.
Serving Accompaniment:
  • Sweet Chili Sauce, Peanut Sauce: Optional dipping sauces that complement the skewers with additional flavor dimensions.
Equipment Requirement:
  • Wooden Skewers: Soaked wooden sticks used to shape and grill the meat logs.

Instructions For Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers

Step 1: Blend Flavor-Packed Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground pork with finely chopped herbs and spices:
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Minced garlic
  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Lime zest
  • Ground coriander
  • Ground cumin
  • Cracked black pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 2: Shape Delicious Skewer Logs

Carefully form the seasoned pork mixture into 12 elongated logs, each measuring about 4 inches long.

Gently slide each log onto a pre-soaked wooden skewer, ensuring they are securely attached.

Step 3: Prepare Grill for Cooking

Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium temperature.

Lightly brush the grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the pork skewers on the hot grill.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. The skewers should develop a delicious golden-brown exterior and be completely cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled skewers to a serving platter. Accompany with your preferred dipping sauce, such as sweet chili or creamy peanut sauce, for an extra burst of flavor.

These Thai-inspired skewers are perfect for a casual gathering or a quick weeknight meal.

Helpful Notes For Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Opt for lean ground pork to reduce excess fat and achieve a lighter, healthier dish without compromising flavor.
  • Mix ingredients thoroughly but gently to maintain the meat's tender texture and prevent overworking the protein.
  • Experiment with alternative protein options like ground chicken or turkey for a different twist on this Thai-inspired recipe.
  • Check internal temperature reaches 160°F to guarantee pork is safely cooked while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.

Tasty Options For Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers

  • Spicy Chili Lime Skewers: Add fresh Thai red chili peppers and extra lime juice for a zesty, hot flavor profile that brings intense heat and tangy brightness.
  • Mediterranean Herb Skewers: Replace cilantro with fresh oregano and mint, swap fish sauce for olive oil, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Korean BBQ Pork Skewers: Mix in gochujang paste, sesame oil, and green onions to create a sweet and spicy Korean-style marinade with deep, rich umami notes.
  • Vietnamese Lemongrass Skewers: Infuse the meat with minced lemongrass, use rice wine instead of soy sauce, and add ginger for a fragrant, authentic Vietnamese character.

Great Pairings For Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers

  • Amplify Thai Pork Skewers Flavor Pairing
  • Refresh with Crisp Lemongrass Cocktail: Blend vodka, fresh lemongrass, lime juice, and simple syrup for a zesty drink that complements the skewers' spicy and herbal notes.
  • Match with Cooling Cucumber Salad: Toss sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar to create a light, refreshing side that balances the rich, grilled pork.
  • Enhance with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Cook jasmine rice with coconut milk, ginger, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to absorb the skewers' robust flavors and provide a smooth, aromatic base.

Storage Tips For Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled skewers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
  • Freezer Preservation: Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheating on Stovetop: Warm skewers in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally. Add a splash of water or oil to prevent drying and maintain tenderness.

Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers Question Guide

  • What are the key ingredients that give these skewers their Thai-style flavor?

Fish sauce, lime zest, cilantro, and a blend of coriander and cumin create the authentic Thai-style taste profile, providing a balance of salty, tangy, and aromatic notes.

  • Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or beef while maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method. The flavor will remain similar, though the texture might slightly vary.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these skewers?

A grill or grill pan works best, but you can also use an oven broiler or cast-iron skillet as alternative cooking methods. Just ensure you preheat and oil the cooking surface.

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Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers Recipe

Thai-Style Ground Pork Skewers Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Thai-style ground pork skewers deliver a symphony of southeast Asian flavors that dance across your palate with zesty herbs and spices. Grilled to perfection, these skewers promise a delightful journey through Thailand’s culinary landscape you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground pork

Herbs and Aromatics:

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Skewers:

  • 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blend ground pork with fragrant herbs and spices in a mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of cilantro, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime zest, coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
  2. Carefully mold the seasoned meat mixture into elongated logs, approximately 4 inches in length, and gently secure each portion onto pre-soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium temperature, lightly coating the grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Position the prepared skewers on the heated surface, rotating periodically to achieve uniform browning and ensure complete cooking, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
  5. Verify internal meat temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
  6. Transfer grilled skewers to a serving platter and accompany with complementary dipping sauces like sweet chili or peanut sauce to enhance the flavor profile.

Notes

  • Ensure meat mixture is thoroughly combined to distribute flavors evenly and create uniform texture.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  • For a leaner option, swap ground pork with ground chicken or turkey while maintaining similar seasoning profile.
  • Consider adding fresh chopped Thai chilies for extra heat if you enjoy spicier dishes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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