Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Dressing and Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving something bursting with flavor and delightfully juicy, this Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Dressing and Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner. I’ve made it more times than I can count because the marinade infuses the pork with layers of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that just sing together. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this dish works beautifully—it’s impressive but never fussy.

What really makes it special is that peanut dressing—rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced—that coats the noodles and ties everything together. The fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts add that irresistible finishing touch. Honestly, it feels like summer on a plate and makes you want to linger at the table chatting. You’re going to love how easy it is to pull off, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an important role in building the flavors and textures of this Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Dressing and Noodles Recipe. From the tender pork to the creamy peanut butter, they come together to create a dish that’s balanced and vibrant. When shopping, choose the freshest herbs and good-quality peanut butter—it really makes a difference.

• Low-sodium tamari or soy sauce: Using low-sodium helps keep the marinade balanced without overpowering saltiness.
• Maple syrup or honey: I love how this adds a gentle sweetness that caramelizes nicely on the grill or pan.
• Fish sauce: Don’t skip this! It adds depth and an umami boost you won’t get anywhere else.
• Neutral vegetable oil: Keeps the marinade smooth and helps with grilling without smoking.
• Sriracha: Gives that kick of spice, but you can adjust depending on how fiery you like it.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must for that fragrant punch in both marinade and dressing.
• Pork tenderloin or boneless skinless chicken thighs: Pork tenderloin is lean and tender, but chicken thighs are a great alternative if you want richer flavor.
• Fresh ginger: Adds brightness and warmth to the marinade.
• Creamy natural peanut butter: Choose one without added sugar or salt for the most authentic peanut dressing taste.
• Fresh lime juice: This adds essential brightness and cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Salt: Needed to round out the flavors—season to taste.
• Water: Helps smooth out the peanut dressing to the perfect consistency.
• Soba noodles or spaghetti: Soba brings a lovely texture and subtle nutty flavor, but spaghetti works well in a pinch.
• Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for crunch and color.
• English cucumber: Adds cool freshness contrasting the spicy pork.
• Fresh cilantro and/or mint: Herbs bring a bright, fresh aroma that lifts the whole dish.
• Scallions: For a mild onion flavor and added sharpness.
• Chopped peanuts: For that essential crunchy finish on top.

Variations

I’m all about customizing recipes to suit what you enjoy or what you have on hand. This Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Dressing and Noodles Recipe is super flexible, and I sometimes swap in different proteins or tweak the heat level depending on my mood or company.

• Chicken thighs instead of pork: I tried this once and found the thighs gave a juicier, slightly richer bite that everyone loved.
• Vegetarian version: Grilled tofu or tempeh works wonderfully with the marinade and peanut dressing if you want to skip meat.
• Mild spice variation: If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive friends, simply reduce the sriracha in both the marinade and dressing.
• Seasonal veggie swaps: Try adding thinly sliced carrots or snap peas for extra crunch and freshness in warmer months.

How to Make Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Dressing and Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Pork for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining 3 tablespoons of tamari, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 3 teaspoons sriracha, and one crushed garlic clove with the pork chunks. Don’t rush this step—letting the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes (or for even better results, a few hours) allows the meat to soak up those beautiful flavors, resulting in juicy kebabs that are anything but bland.

Step 2: Prep the Peanut Dressing While the Pork Marinates

Meanwhile, whisk together the peanut butter, 2 teaspoons tamari, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha, remaining garlic, ginger, lime juice, salt, and about half a cup of water into a smooth, creamy dressing. Adjust the water to get your preferred consistency—it should be pourable but still coating enough to cling nicely to the noodles and veggies.

Step 3: Cook the Pork Kebabs

Thread the marinated pork chunks onto skewers if you like, or simply cook them in a hot grill pan with a little oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the pork is nicely charred and cooked through but still tender inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan so they brown nicely instead of steam. This is a key step that seals in juiciness.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles and Veggies

Cook your soba or spaghetti noodles according to package directions, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss with thinly sliced bell pepper, cucumber, herbs, and scallions. This mix gives freshness and crunch that contrasts perfectly with the rich pork and peanut dressing.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Toss the cooked noodles and veggies with the peanut dressing. Then, serve the juicy pork kebabs right on top or alongside. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped peanuts over everything for that satisfying crunch and add extra sriracha if you like things spicy!

How to Serve Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Dressing and Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

I honestly love finishing this dish with a generous handful of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro or mint leaves. The peanuts add that satisfying texture contrast, while the herbs brighten up the whole plate. A wedge of lime on the side is also great for squeezing over, especially if you like an extra tangy kick.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite side dishes to pair with this recipe is a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar for some refreshing crunch. You could also serve light steamed greens like bok choy or snap peas to keep the meal balanced. If you’re feeling nostalgic, a bowl of miso soup on the side rounds this out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the pork kebabs stacked over the noodles in pretty bowls with herbs sprinkled artfully on top. Or, try skewering the pork on colorful bamboo sticks alongside small cups of dipping peanut sauce for a fun party appetizer style. It’s great for when you want to impress without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and who doesn’t with this recipe?—I store the pork kebabs separately from the noodles and dressing to keep everything fresh. Pop the pork into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles tossed with dressing go in another container to prevent sogginess from mingling too early.

Freezing

I’ve frozen marinated pork before but find the peanut dressing and noodles don’t freeze well. If you want to freeze the pork, do so before grilling—freeze the marinated raw pork in a sealed bag for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook fresh for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the pork kebabs in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or oil if needed. The noodles with peanut dressing are best served cold or at room temperature but can be quickly tossed in the microwave for just a few seconds if you prefer warm. Avoid overheating to keep that fresh, vibrant taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Marinated Pork Kebabs with Peanut Dressing and Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes I return to again and again because it hits all the right notes: juicy, flavorful meat, creamy peanut goodness, fresh veggies, and plenty of crunch. It’s like a mini adventure on your plate without complicated steps. I genuinely think you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser and a simple way to bring something exciting to your dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is to nail these flavors at home!

Print