Sautéed Pork with Tamarind and Shallot Sauce

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

Tender pork strips cooked in a tangy tamarind and shallot sauce, balancing sweet, sour, and umami flavors popular in Burmese cuisine. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, medium shallots, thinly sliced, tamarind paste into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 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 4 medium thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden brown, releasing a sweet aroma.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently until the pork is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp palm sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tsp red chili flakes and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the pork. Stir well, then remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork with Tamarind and Shallot Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Pork with Tamarind and Shallot Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Pork with Tamarind and Shallot Sauce?

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 Sautéed Pork with Tamarind and Shallot Sauce 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 Sautéed Pork with Tamarind and Shallot Sauce?

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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