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Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe with you! It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but honestly comes together super easily. Juicy, flavorful pork kebabs paired with a vibrant, creamy peanut noodle salad? Yes, please. This combo makes for a perfect dinner whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to something special on a weeknight.

What I love most is how the pork soaks up the marinade, packing every bite with that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and a hint of heat, while the peanut noodle salad adds freshness and creaminess that keeps everything light and bright. This Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe is definitely a keeper in my kitchen — I’m sure once you try it, you’ll feel the same.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play off each other beautifully, from the soy’s umami depth in the marinade to the fresh herbs enlivening the noodle salad. When shopping, aim for fresh ginger and good-quality peanut butter for maximum flavor. Also, if you can grab pork tenderloin, it’s ideal for juicy kebabs but chicken thighs are a great swap too!

  • Low-sodium tamari or soy sauce: Gives that savory foundation without overpowering the marinade.
  • Maple syrup or honey: Balances salty and spicy with natural sweetness.
  • Fish sauce: Adds a subtle depth of umami that transforms the marinade.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the marinade smooth and helps with grilling.
  • Sriracha: A little kick that you can adjust to your heat preference.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh and pungent, a must-have for punchy flavor.
  • Pork tenderloin or boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender protein that’s perfect for quick grilling.
  • Fresh ginger: A zing that brightens the marinade.
  • Creamy natural peanut butter: For the creamy dressing with authentic nutty richness.
  • Fresh lime juice: Adds a refreshing tang to the peanut sauce.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
  • Water: Used to thin the peanut sauce to the perfect consistency.
  • Soba noodles or spaghetti: I usually use soba for a nutty flavor, but spaghetti works in a pinch.
  • Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness.
  • English cucumber: Refreshing crunch to balance the rich sauce.
  • Cilantro and/or mint: Fresh herbs really brighten the salad.
  • Scallions: Mild sharpness works perfectly here.
  • Finely chopped peanuts: The best finishing crunch on your noodles!

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your mood or what’s in your fridge. I love switching up herbs or playing with protein options depending on the season!

  • Protein swap: Tried this with chicken thighs and loved how tender and juicy they turned out, especially if you want something super budget-friendly.
  • Spice level: If you like it really spicy, I boost the sriracha and sometimes add a dash of chili flakes to the peanut dressing.
  • Herb blends: Sometimes I add Thai basil or replace cilantro with parsley for a different flavor twist.
  • Nut allergies: I’ve made a version using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and it turned out great without losing creaminess.
  • Noodle choice: When I don’t have soba, I use rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti—it all works.

How to Make Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Pork

This is where the magic starts. Combine 3 tablespoons tamari, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, vegetable oil, 3 teaspoons sriracha, half the garlic, and the fresh ginger in a bowl. Add your cubed pork tenderloin and mix well so every piece is coated. I like to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours if I have time. This soaking time really helps the pork soak up all those punchy, spicy, and sweet flavors while staying tender and juicy on the grill.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Dressing

While the pork marinates, whisk together peanut butter, 2 teaspoons tamari, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 2 teaspoons sriracha, remaining garlic, lime juice, salt, and ½ cup water. Adjust water as needed to get a smooth pourable sauce. I like mine creamy but not too thick so it coats the noodles without clumping.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Veggies

Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Toss noodles with thinly sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, chopped cilantro or mint, and scallions. This mix is fresh and crunchy, giving a great contrast to the rich peanut sauce.

Step 4: Grill the Kebabs

Thread the marinated pork pieces onto skewers, then grill over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with a lovely caramelized exterior. If you’re indoors, a grill pan or broiler works just as well. Don’t overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking and that gorgeous sear. Once done, remove and let them rest for a few minutes.

Step 5: Toss and Combine

Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle salad and toss well to combine. Serve the pork kebabs hot alongside the peanut noodles, with extra sriracha on the side for those who like an added kick.

How to Serve Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe

The image shows two dishes placed on a white marbled surface. On the left, a white bowl filled with a noodle salad that has three main layers: long light brown noodles as the base, scattered slices of bright green cucumbers and red bell peppers on top, mixed with fresh green leafy herbs and creamy light sauce coating everything, with some pieces of crushed peanuts giving a small crunchy texture. Two wooden utensils with patterned handles rest inside the bowl. On the right, a white rectangular plate holds five metal skewers with pieces of grilled meat, each piece showing a dark brown, slightly charred surface and juicy texture, arranged closely together with some sauce pooling below the skewers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to finish this plate with a sprinkle of finely chopped peanuts and extra fresh cilantro on top. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime for brightness and a few extra chili flakes to turn up the heat. These simple touches really elevate the dish and add texture contrast that makes every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but I often serve it with a crisp green salad or quick steamed veggies like snap peas or broccoli to balance the richness of the peanut sauce. For a fun twist, grilled pineapple rings make a fantastic sweet contrast on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the kebabs over a bed of the peanut noodle salad on a large platter, and garnished with edible flowers and extra herbs. It’s a great way to impress guests with minimal fuss. You could even serve the noodles in small individual bowls topped with a skewer for a stylish appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pork kebabs and peanut noodle salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy and the pork juicy. They safely keep for up to 3 days, which means you’ve got some easy lunches or dinners ready to go.

Freezing

If I’m prepping in bulk, I freeze the marinated pork uncooked on skewers, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and grill fresh. The peanut noodle salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh veggies and dressing, so I always make that fresh.

Reheating

To reheat leftover pork kebabs, I gently warm them in a skillet or under the broiler for just a few minutes to avoid drying out. The peanut noodle salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually just let it sit out while I reheat the pork.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken instead of pork for this recipe?

    Absolutely! This Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe works wonderfully with boneless skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

  2. How long should I marinate the pork for best flavor?

    Marinating for at least 30 minutes is great for quick flavor infusion, but if you can let the pork marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight, the meat will become even more tender and flavorful. Just be sure not to marinate longer than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to “cook” the meat.

  3. Can I make the peanut noodle salad vegan?

    Definitely! Swap out the fish sauce for a vegan alternative like soy sauce or tamari to keep that umami profile. The rest of the salad ingredients are naturally vegan, so you can enjoy it without any adjustments.

  4. What noodles work best for the peanut salad?

    I prefer soba noodles for their slight nuttiness, which complements the peanut dressing really well. However, spaghetti, rice noodles, or even whole wheat pasta are great alternatives depending on what you have on hand.

  5. How spicy is this Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe?

    The recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to sriracha, but you can easily adjust it up or down based on your heat tolerance. I recommend starting with the amount listed and adding more sriracha or chili flakes as needed when serving.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos when I want a dish that’s flavorful, comforting, and fresh all at once. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together perfectly. Next time you want to impress without stress, give this one a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe

These Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs are bursting with vibrant flavors from a tangy and spicy marinade, perfectly complemented by a creamy peanut noodle salad. The pork tenderloin is marinated in a blend of tamari, maple syrup, fish sauce, and sriracha, then grilled or pan-seared to juicy perfection. The peanut noodle salad combines soba noodles with a zesty and creamy peanut dressing, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and chopped peanuts for crunch, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal ideal for any occasion.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade and Peanut Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce, divided
  • 2 teaspoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce, divided
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, divided
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey, divided
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce, divided
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce, divided
  • 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
  • 34 teaspoons sriracha, divided, plus more for serving
  • 2 garlic cloves, divided
  • 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely chopped fresh ginger
  • ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ cup water, plus more as needed

Noodles and Salad

  • 8 ounces soba noodles or spaghetti
  • 1 small red bell pepper, very thinly sliced
  • ½ small English cucumber, very thinly sliced
  • 1 cup lightly packed coarsely chopped fresh cilantro and/or mint, plus more for serving
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
  • ¼ cup finely chopped peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 3 teaspoons sriracha, one minced garlic clove, and the chopped ginger. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced marinade with salty, sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes.
  2. Marinate the pork: Add the pork chunks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, ideally up to 2 hours for maximum juiciness and taste.
  3. Cook the noodles: While the pork marinates, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add soba noodles or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
  4. Make the peanut dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons low-sodium tamari, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference), one minced garlic clove, creamy peanut butter, fresh lime juice, ½ cup water, and a pinch of salt. Add more water as needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
  5. Grill or pan-sear the pork kebabs: Thread marinated pork chunks onto skewers. Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the kebabs for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges, ensuring a juicy interior. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
  6. Assemble the noodle salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, thinly sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, chopped cilantro and/or mint, and scallions. Toss with the peanut dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Serve: Plate the peanut noodle salad and top with grilled pork kebabs. Sprinkle with finely chopped peanuts and additional fresh herbs. Serve with extra sriracha on the side for added heat if desired.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium tamari or soy sauce to better control the salt content in the dish.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure to use gluten-free tamari and gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles instead of soba.
  • Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to pork tenderloin if preferred.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preferred level of spiciness.

Keywords: pork kebabs, peanut noodle salad, grilled pork, marinated kebabs, Asian-inspired, peanut dressing, soba noodles, quick dinner

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