Vietnamese Saigon Sate

Prep: 30 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 5 Cuisine: Vietnamese

Vietnamese Saigon Sate features tender marinated pork skewers with aromatic spices and a smoky grill flavor, perfect for flavorful gatherings or barbecue enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. sliced pork, cut in small pieces
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. sesame seed
  • 1 Tbsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, salt, sesame seed, onion powder, and garlic powder together.
  2. Add pork and toss gently to coat.
  3. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. Put meat on wooden skewers.
  5. Grill or broil over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes a side or until desired doneness.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, allow the pork to marinate for longer than 30 minutes, ideally a few hours or overnight. If you prefer, substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Adding a splash of lime juice or chopped fresh herbs can elevate the taste. A dash of chili flakes can introduce a bit of heat to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vietnamese Saigon Sate with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, and a side of pickled vegetables for added crunch and acidity. This dish also pairs beautifully with Easy Swedish Meat Balls for a diverse spread of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but this may result in a loss of texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vietnamese Saigon Sate contains roughly 576 calories, with 17g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

576 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17g 34% DV
Total Fat 52.2g 67% DV
Carbs 19.9g 7% DV
Fiber 9g 32% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 197.8mg 9% DV
Potassium 469.6mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.8mcg
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 135mg 10% DV
Iron 6mg 33% DV
Diet fit Low-carb High-fiber
Contains Sesame

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?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pork, you can easily substitute it with chicken, beef, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require varying amounts of time on the grill or broiler.

What if I don't have wooden skewers?

If you don't have wooden skewers, metal skewers are an excellent alternative. Just be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can cook the marinated meat directly on a grill or in a grill pan.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade. If you're serving it to guests who may prefer milder flavors, consider offering a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

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).

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