Slow-Cooked Pork Stew with Lemongrass and Ginger

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful Burmese pork stew slow-cooked with lemongrass, fresh ginger, and aromatic spices for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cubed, bruised lemongrass stalks, inches, sliced fresh ginger 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: 180 min Serves 6 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion, 6 crushed garlic cloves, and 2 bruised lemongrass stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions soften and aromatics become fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 inches sliced fresh ginger, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours until pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove lemongrass stalks, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with steamed rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Stew with Lemongrass and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Pork Stew with Lemongrass and Ginger?

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, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Stew with Lemongrass and Ginger?

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 Pork Stew with Lemongrass and Ginger 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 Pork Stew with Lemongrass and Ginger?

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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