Pan-Seared Pork Neck with Sweet Tamarind Glaze

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

Tender pork neck slices pan-seared and finished with a tangy-sweet tamarind glaze, accented by garlic and fresh herbs. This Thai-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs pork neck slices, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb pork neck slices and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork from skillet and set aside on a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 3 tbsp water into the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork slices to the skillet, turning to coat them evenly in the tamarind glaze. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Transfer pork to a serving dish and garnish with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and 1 sliced red chili.
  6. Step 6: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fresh vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Neck with Sweet Tamarind Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Pork Neck with Sweet Tamarind Glaze?

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 neck slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Neck with Sweet Tamarind Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Pork Neck with Sweet Tamarind Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Pork Neck with Sweet Tamarind Glaze?

Thai 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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