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.
- 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
- 3–4 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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