How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I substitute tamarind paste?

Yes, you can use lime juice mixed with a bit of sugar as a substitute.

What's the best way to reheat the satay?

Reheat on the grill or in a hot skillet for a few minutes, until warmed through.

Can I make the relish ahead?

Yes, it's best made a few hours ahead to allow flavors to develop.

Can I use a different meat for the satay?

Absolutely, chicken or beef would work well with the marinade too.

Indonesian Tamarind Pork Satay with Pineapple Relish

Name: Indonesian Tamarind Pork Satay with Pineapple Relish
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder; 1/4 cup tamarind paste; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper; 1 cup fresh pineapple; 1 small red onion; 1 red chili; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; Salt; 8 wooden skewers; 1 tbsp vegetable oil

A Flavorful Skewer of Spiced Pork with Tangy Sweet Relish

This traditional Indonesian dish combines juicy tamarind-marinated pork skewers with a homemade pineapple relish for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pork Satay

1 lb (450g) pork shoulder

cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup tamarind paste

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 cloves garlic

minced

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Pineapple Relish

1 cup fresh pineapple

finely chopped

1 small red onion

finely diced

1 red chili

seeded and minced

2 tbsp fresh cilantro

chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt

to taste

For the Base

8 wooden skewers

soaked in water

1 tbsp vegetable oil

for grilling

Preparation

Marinating the Pork

Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Pork

Add pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring they're well coated.

Thoroughly coat the pork in marinade for even flavor penetration.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Pineapple Relish

Combine Ingredients

Combine pineapple, red onion, chili, and cilantro in a mixing bowl.

Season

Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt.

Chill

Mix well and refrigerate until serving.

Prepare the relish a couple of hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cooking Process

Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill and lightly oil the grate.

Cook the Satay

Skewer the marinated pork and grill until cooked through, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Serve

Serve immediately with pineapple relish on the side, which can be served cold or at room temperature.

Plating & Serving