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Lemongrass Pork Skewers

Lemongrass Pork Skewers

Wife with the Knife
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavour, these lemongrass pork skewers deliver. Marinated pork shoulder is threaded onto skewers and cooked until juicy, caramelized, and lightly charred around the edges. Served over noodles or rice with crunchy vegetables and a drizzle of nước chấm, this dish brings the flavours of a Vietnamese night market straight to your table.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Finger Food, Main Course, starter
Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Bamboo Skewers (soaked)
  • Air-Fryer

Ingredients
  

Lemon Grass Pork

  • Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder thinly sliced (lightly freeze for easier slicing)
  • ½ cup lemongrass minced
  • 2.5 tbsp fish sauce
  • 3 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cane sugar
  • 6-8 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 shallot finely diced (or half an onion)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp five-spice powder
  • ½ tbsp sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes or minced peppers for heat

Dipping Sauce -  Nước chấm (Basic Recipe)

  • ¼ cup fish sauce
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup lime juice or vinegar as a substitute
  • ½ cup water
  • 1-2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1-2 bird’s eye chilies chopped (optional, for heat)

Plating Suggestions

  • Pickled carrots and daikon
  • Spicy cucumber or Regular cucumber
  • Rice or Vermicelli rice noodles
  • Nuoc cham sauce on the side

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and marinate the pork for 30 minutes to overnight.
  • Soak skewers in water to prevent burning.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
  • Thread the sliced marinated pork onto the skewers.
  • Air fry the skewers for 15 minutes, then flip, and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the pork is charred and caramelized.
  • While the skewers cook prepare your sides and dipping sauce.
  • Serve skewers over noodles or rice. Add vegetables and herbs, then drizzle or dip in nước chấm.

Notes

  • Lemongrass should be very finely minced or it can be tough.
  • These skewers also work great in lettuce wraps.
  • Add extra chili for a more street-food style heat.
  • Balance is key: salty, sweet, sour, and aromatic should all come through.

 

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat:
    • Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
    • Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
    • Pan: medium heat until warmed through
  • Nước Chấm: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
 
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Keyword Asian Flavours, Asian Night Market Recipes, Lemon Grass Pork, Nuoc Cham Sauce, Party Food, Pork Recipes, Pork Skewers, Street Food, Vietnamese Pork