Indonesian Pork Sticks With Crunchy Hot Peanut Sauce
Indonesian Pork Sticks with Crunchy Hot Peanut Sauce offering tender pork with bold, spicy, and nutty flavors, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the pork loin into 1 1/4-inch cubes.
- Chop the small onion finely.
- Thread the pork cubes onto 10 to 12 bamboo skewers.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, milk, lemon juice or rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, sugar, and Tabasco sauce to make the marinade.
- Marinate the pork skewers in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the skewers until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce by combining chunky peanut butter with the remaining marinade ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Serve the pork skewers hot with the crunchy hot peanut sauce on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you don't have chunky peanut butter, smooth peanut butter can be used as a substitute. Additionally, marinating the pork overnight will enhance the flavor significantly. Make sure to soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork skewers hot off the grill alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or jasmine rice to balance the flavors. The crunchy hot peanut sauce makes an excellent dip, and you can garnish with chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for added texture. This dish pairs beautifully with Vietnamese Saigon Sate for a delicious themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pork skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. The peanut sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for a week.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indonesian Pork Sticks With Crunchy Hot Peanut Sauce contains roughly 1187 calories, with 8g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork loin with chicken breast or beef if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying times to ensure they are fully cooked.
How can I make the peanut sauce less thick?
If the peanut sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little warm water or additional milk, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed after adding liquid.
What can I serve with the pork skewers?
These pork skewers are delicious when served with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also offer a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast to the rich peanut sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).