Slow Braised Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind

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

Tender pork slowly simmered in a rich, tangy tamarind-infused curry spiced with traditional Burmese flavors for a comforting meal. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, vegetable oil, large yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes and sear for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion, 1 tbsp ginger paste, and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tbsp coriander powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, then pour in 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the curry gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Braised Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Slow Braised Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Braised Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind?

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 Slow Braised Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow Braised Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind?

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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