Pork With Peanut Sauce
Juicy pork cubes glazed with a rich peanut sauce, combining savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. pork tenderloin, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 c. whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chunky peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 22 bamboo skewers, soaked in water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a shallow glass dish, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and salt.
- Add pork cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Drain marinade from the meat, reserving it for later use.
- Thread the marinated pork onto soaked bamboo skewers.
- Grill or broil the skewers until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
- In a saucepan, combine whipping cream, chunky peanut butter, softened butter, sugar, crushed red pepper, and reserved marinade.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Serve pork skewers with peanut sauce on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork overnight. If you don't have chunky peanut butter, smooth peanut butter works too, but the texture will be different. You can also substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor. If you want to reduce the heat, use less crushed red pepper or omit it entirely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork skewers alongside steamed jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. The creamy peanut sauce pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or can be drizzled over a warm quinoa salad. Consider offering pickled vegetables as a refreshing side, or serve with low-fat German potato salad for a heartier option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the pork skewers in a skillet over medium heat, and gently reheat the peanut sauce in a saucepan on low, stirring frequently to maintain its smooth texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork With Peanut Sauce contains roughly 658 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2182mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
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 cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork shoulder instead of tenderloin, but cooking times may vary. Ensure the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the pork with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating and preparing it the same way. The peanut sauce will complement these alternatives well, providing a satisfying and flavorful dish.
How can I make the peanut sauce spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more crushed red pepper or include a dash of sriracha sauce to the peanut sauce. Adjust to your taste preference and enjoy the added kick!
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).