Pork and Tamarind Stew with Bamboo Shoots

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

A hearty Lao stew featuring tender pork, tamarind, bamboo shoots, and fresh herbs, simmered to perfection. This asian-inspired soups ready in about 70 minutes pairs pork shoulder, vegetable oil, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the pork cubes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup tamarind paste (dissolved in 1 cup warm water) and 2 cups chicken stock, then stir in 1/4 cup fish sauce and 1 tbsp palm sugar.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then add 1 cup sliced bamboo shoots and 1 cup trimmed green beans. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until pork is tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts, adjusting seasoning with additional fish sauce if needed.
  7. Step 7: Serve the stew over 1 cup cooked jasmine rice, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pork and Tamarind Stew with Bamboo Shoots take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 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 Pork and Tamarind Stew with Bamboo Shoots?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pork and Tamarind Stew with Bamboo Shoots?

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 Pork and Tamarind Stew with Bamboo Shoots 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 Pork and Tamarind Stew with Bamboo Shoots?

Asian soups 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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