Pork and Tamarind Stew with Bamboo Shoots
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1 cup tamarind paste
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup bamboo shoots
- 1 cup green beans
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 cup jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 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.
- Step 3: Add the pork cubes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 7: Serve the stew over 1 cup cooked jasmine rice, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The best pork stew I've ever made. The tamarind gives it that perfect tang, and the bamboo shoots add a nice crunch.
- ★★★★★
This stew is amazing! The tamarind and bamboo shoots create such a wonderful balance. My family loved it.
- ★★★★☆
Simple and tasty. The stew was perfect for a cold night.
