Burmese-Inspired Pork Curry with Coconut and Turmeric

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich and fragrant pork curry simmered in creamy coconut milk with turmeric and traditional Burmese spices. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 80 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cubed, coconut milk, medium onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp chili powder; cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 600 g cubed pork shoulder and sear for 5-7 minutes until the edges begin to brown.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 400 ml coconut milk, 1 cup water, and add 2 tbsp fish sauce and salt to taste. Add 8 fresh curry leaves if using.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour over low heat until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot with steamed rice or flatbreads.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Burmese-Inspired Pork Curry with Coconut and Turmeric take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Burmese-Inspired Pork Curry with Coconut and Turmeric?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Burmese-Inspired Pork Curry with Coconut and Turmeric?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Burmese-Inspired Pork Curry with Coconut and Turmeric for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Burmese-Inspired Pork Curry with Coconut and Turmeric?

Asian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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