Slow-Cooked Burmese Pork Curry with Turmeric and Garlic

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

A hearty slow-cooked pork curry infused with turmeric, garlic, and Burmese spices, yielding tender meat in a rich, flavorful sauce. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, turmeric powder, 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 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and 6 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 cinnamon stick; cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 pounds pork shoulder cubes and sear for 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup tomato puree and 1 cup water, then season with 1 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Slow cook the curry for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove the cinnamon stick, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve the curry hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Burmese Pork Curry with Turmeric and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 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-Cooked Burmese Pork Curry with Turmeric and Garlic?

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 turmeric powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Burmese Pork Curry with Turmeric and Garlic?

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-Cooked Burmese Pork Curry with Turmeric and Garlic 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-Cooked Burmese Pork Curry with Turmeric and Garlic?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes