Slow-Cooked Pork Vindaloo with Vinegar and Spices

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

A rich and spicy Goan pork vindaloo slow-cooked in a tangy vinegar and aromatic spice blend until tender and flavorful. This indian-inspired pork ready in about 150 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, white vinegar, soaked dried red chilies for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 450 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 Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dry roast 2 tbsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 4 cloves, and 1 inch cinnamon stick in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant; grind to a fine powder.
  2. Step 2: Blend the roasted spice powder with 6 soaked dried red chilies, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 6 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch minced ginger into a smooth paste.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat; add 1 tsp mustard seeds and sliced 1 large onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Add 700 g pork shoulder cubes and sear for 5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the prepared vindaloo paste and 1 tbsp brown sugar; cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the pork.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1 cup water, season with salt to taste, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until pork is tender and sauce is rich.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Vindaloo with Vinegar and Spices take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (30 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 Pork Vindaloo with Vinegar and Spices?

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 white vinegar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Vindaloo with Vinegar and Spices?

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 Vindaloo with Vinegar and Spices 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Vindaloo with Vinegar and Spices?

Indian 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.