Grilled Thai Pork Skewers with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork mince 500g (1.1 lb) pork mince
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• For the spicy dipping sauce: For the spicy dipping sauce:
• 2 red chilies, finely chopped 2 red chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pork mince, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, cilantro, fish sauce, soy sauce, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and chili flakes. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Take a small portion of the pork mixture and shape it into a small sausage-like shape around a soaked bamboo skewer. Repeat with the remaining mixture and skewers.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the pork skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
4. 4.
   While the skewers are grilling, prepare the spicy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the chopped red chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
5. 5.
   Serve the grilled pork skewers hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before chopping them.
• Fish sauce — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of fish sauce or substitute it with soy sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice over the grilled pork skewers before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier dipping sauce, you can add more red chilies or a dash of chili sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the grilled Thai pork skewers as an appetizer or as part of a main course. They pair well with steamed jasmine rice and a side of fresh cucumber slices.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled pork skewers on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve the spicy dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside the skewers. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make this dish visually appealing.