Caramelized Shallot and Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork belly with a tangy tamarind glaze balanced by the sweetness of caramelized shallots. This asian fusion-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes pairs pork belly, medium, thinly sliced shallots, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 60 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Score 1 lb pork belly skin in a crisscross pattern and season lightly with salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced shallots and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar; cook for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer, then nestle the pork belly into the skillet, spooning some glaze over the top.
  5. Step 5: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the glaze, until pork is tender and lacquered.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, let rest 10 minutes, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before slicing and serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Shallot and Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Caramelized Shallot and Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly?

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 belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Shallot and Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly?

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 Caramelized Shallot and Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly 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 Caramelized Shallot and Tamarind Glazed Pork Belly?

Asian Fusion 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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