If you’ve ever wandered the bustling streets of Hanoi in the afternoon, you’ll likely have noticed street vendors grilling skewers of fragrant pork over open charcoal fires. The smoky aroma drifts through the air, tempting passerby to stop and grab a couple of these irresistible Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers.
These skewers, known as Thịt Xiên Nướng, are a favourite after-school snack for kids. A couple of sticks keep them satisfied until dinner, and adults love them just as much! Marinated with a perfect blend of aromatic herbs, savoury seasonings and nutty sesame. The pork is then grilled to perfection, creating a mouth-watering balance of sweet, salty and smoky flavours.
If you’ve tried my Bún Chả Hà Nội, you’ll find the marinade quite similar, but with the addition of sesame and sesame oil, which bring a toasty nuttiness to the dish. These skewers can be grilled on a BBQ for that authentic smoky flavour, cooked in an air fryer for convenience, or simply grilled in the oven. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, with rice or with noodles, they never disappoint.
The best cut for pork for Thịt Xiên Nướng
For the juiciest and most flavourful skewers, pork shoulder is the best cut to use. It has the perfect balance of lean meat and fat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Ingredients for the marinade
To get that authentic Vietnamese flavour, you’ll need:
- Pork shoulder, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Oyster sauce – tenerises the meat and enhances the umami
- Fish sauce – adds depth and savoury richness
- Dark brown sugar & condensed milk – balances the savoury flavours with a hint of sweetness
- Finely chopped shallots, garlic & lemongrass – for a fragrant, aromatic base
- Caramel sauce – gives the meat a beautiful golden hue (visit this recipe for steps on how to make caramel sauce)
- Sesame oil – adds nutty richness
- Ground black pepper – for a touch of warmth
- Sesame seeds – the key ingredient for a nutty crunch
Marinating the pork
To get the best flavour, the pork needs time to soak up all the seasonings. Mix all the marinade ingredients and pork in a large bowl, and let it marinate for at least 3 hours – though I usually prepare it at lunchtime, so it’s ready to cook by dinner.
How to cook Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers
Once marinated, the pork is skewered onto wooden or metal sticks. If any pieces are too big, simply fold them onto the skewer. Be careful not to pack them too tightly, as this ensures even cooking – otherwise, the outside may burn while the inside remains undercooked.
Cooking options:
1. Air fryer (quick and convenient)
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the skewers in single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check at 8 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Once golden brown, remove and serve hot.
2. Grilling (traditional & smoky)
- Heat the grill or BBQ to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning frequently until evenly charred.
3. Oven Grill (easy indoor alternative)
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place skewers on a wire rack over a baking tray.
- Grill for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving suggestions
These Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers are delicious on their own as a snack, but they also make a great meal when served with steamed rice, baguette or noodles.
Tonight, we enjoyed them with rice, quick pickles and steamed broccoli, making for a balanced and satisfying dinner. Every bite was tender, juicy, and bursting with the perfect blend of sweet, savoury and nutty crunch.
This one of the easiest and tastiest Vietnamese street food recipes you can create at home – perfect for a family dinner or summer BBQ!
Let me know if you try this recipe and don’t forget to share your photos.
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers (Thịt Xiên Nướng)
Description
A fragrant, juicy, and perfectly grilled Vietnamese street food classic—these Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers (Thịt Xiên Nướng) are packed with savoury, sweet, and nutty flavours. Perfect as a snack or served with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Pork & Marinade
Instructions
-
Marinate the Pork
- In a large bowl, mix oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, condensed milk, shallot, garlic, lemongrass, caramel sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, sesame seeds and the pork pieces. Coat the pork evenly in the marinade.
- Cover and marinate for at least 3 hours, preferably longer for deeper flavour.
-
Skewer the Pork
- Thread the pork pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
-
Cooking Methods
Air Fryer (Quick and Easy)
- Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Grill or BBQ (Traditional & Smoky)
- Lightly oil the grates and cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning frequently until golden and charred.
Oven Grill (Easy Indoor Method)
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place skewers on a wire rack over a baking tray.
- Grill for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
-
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot as a snack, or enjoy with rice, baguette or noodles for a complete meal.
- Pair with quick pickles and steamed vegetables for balance.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 436.39kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29.03g45%
- Saturated Fat 9.13g46%
- Cholesterol 91.99mg31%
- Sodium 961.22mg41%
- Potassium 568.2mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 19.59g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1.12g5%
- Sugars 14.77g
- Protein 24.28g49%
- Vitamin A 11.95 IU
- Vitamin C 3.02 mg
- Calcium 114.74 mg
- Iron 2.72 mg
- Vitamin D 2.14 IU
- Vitamin E 0.32 IU
- Vitamin K 1.13 mcg
- Thiamin 1.02 mg
- Riboflavin 0.41 mg
- Niacin 5.38 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.58 mg
- Folate 26.1 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.04 mcg
- Phosphorus 302.47 mg
- Magnesium 64.44 mg
- Zinc 4.02 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
