National Dish Myanmar: Pork Skewers (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Pork Skewers, the smoky, juicy classic that turns any Burmese gathering into a feast! Tender cubes of pork soak up a marinade of soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger before meeting the heat of an open fire. The result is charred at the edges, meltingly soft inside, and heady with the exotic spice notes Myanmar is famous for. Fire up the grill and bring a taste of Yangon’s night markets to your own back garden.
About Pork Skewers
The classic pork skewers of Myanmar are a treat that delights the palate and doubles as a genuine feast. At celebrations and shared barbecue evenings alike they are a firm favourite, served again and again. The combination of tender meat and aromatic spices comes into its own over an open flame. Grilling not only lends the skewers a wonderfully smoky note, it also gives them a superb texture and exactly the right flavour.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g pork (shoulder or loin)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or palm sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Fresh herbs, to garnish (coriander, for example)
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best pork skewers it is important to use fresh, good-quality ingredients. Visit a local butcher for fresh pork, as this makes all the difference to the flavour. Make sure your spices are fresh too, so that the full range of aromas comes through. An authentic soy sauce and honey or palm sugar from Myanmar add a richness that reflects the traditional recipe.
Preparing the dish
Getting the ingredients ready is the first step towards a smooth session at the grill. Cut the meat into evenly sized cubes, ideally around 3 cm, so it cooks through at the same rate. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and coat the meat thoroughly. Leave it in the fridge to marinate for at least an hour — better still, overnight — so it can take on the flavours properly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Take the marinated pork out of the fridge and prepare the skewers.
- Thread the meat evenly onto the skewers, arranging the pieces so they cook well.
- Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat.
- Lay the skewers on the grill and cook for around 8–10 minutes, turning regularly, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Lift the skewers off the grill, let them rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the pork skewers, use a gluten-free soy sauce, now stocked by most supermarkets. Adjust the other marinade ingredients accordingly to be sure no gluten-containing products slip in. The recipe is naturally lactose-free, so anyone with a lactose intolerance can tuck in without a second thought. As a further option, various plant oils can stand in for the peanut oil.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians who want the taste of that delicious marinade, the pork can simply be swapped for vegetables or tofu. Courgette, peppers or aubergine take beautifully to the savoury marinade before going on the grill, giving a similar barbecue experience. Tofu or tempeh are excellent protein alternatives that soak up the spiced marinade with ease — much as they do in a Tofu Curry. Grilling vegetable skewers makes for a tasty, healthy plate that is every bit as enjoyable.
More tips and tricks
To make the pork skewers even tastier, try out different spice blends. Experimenting with herbs such as thyme or oregano can give the dish a personal signature. Keep an eye on your grill temperature, too: too fierce a heat will dry the meat out. Use a grill mat or a sheet of foil to stop the meat sticking and to make cleaning up easier.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
This recipe is easy to tailor to personal preference. If you like more heat, increase the chilli flakes or add fresh chilli to the marinade. For a sweeter result, raise the amount of sugar or stir fresh pineapple or mango juice into the marinade. That gives the skewers a fruity, tropical character that sits wonderfully alongside the other flavours.
Ingredient substitutions
Should some of the ingredients for the classic pork skewers be hard to find, there are plenty of alternatives. Chicken or beef work just as well as pork — try the marinade on a bird destined for Honey Glazed Chicken. Adjust the marinating time to suit the meat, as chicken, for instance, needs rather less. Soy sauce can also be replaced with tamari, which is handy for anyone avoiding gluten.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks suit a barbecue built around pork skewers and round the whole experience off nicely. Light, refreshing beers or a fruity white wine harmonise beautifully with the smoky, faintly sweet flavours. Rum- or gin-based cocktails are another excellent choice for bringing out the marinade. Alcohol-free cocktails made with freshly pressed juices and herbs are increasingly popular and just as satisfying.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a big part in turning a meal into an occasion. Serve the grilled skewers on a handsome wooden board or a rustic plate for an authentic look. A garnish of fresh herbs or lime wedges adds colour and freshness. Arrange the sides — salads such as a Tomato And Onion Salad, or dips — thoughtfully around them for an inviting overall picture.
A bit of history
The classic pork skewers have a long tradition in Burmese cuisine, which draws together influences from many regions and cultures. Grilling and skewering are popular cooking methods right across Asia. What sets the Myanmar version apart is its distinctive marinade, often built from regional ingredients and passed down through generations. The dish mirrors the country’s culinary identity and its communal rituals, where eating is above all a sociable act — as it is with Wet Thar Dote Htoe, the beloved skewered street snack of Yangon.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Pork Skewers
In short, the classic pork skewers offer a flavour experience like no other, one that has won over countless barbecue fans. The combination of tender meat, aromatic spices and that smoky char from the grill is simply unforgettable. Whether they form part of a celebration or a relaxed barbecue with friends and family, these skewers are a genuine crowd-pleaser. Explore what this dish has to offer and let the rich culinary culture of Myanmar inspire you!
