Slow-Cooked Tamarind Pork Curry with Burmese Spices

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

A richly spiced Burmese-inspired pork curry simmered slowly with tangy tamarind and warm aromatics. This Asian-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 145 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, cubed, tamarind paste, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 15 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground turmeric, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 cinnamon stick. Toast the spices for 1 minute to release their aromas.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder to the pot. Brown the meat on all sides for about 8 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 3 tbsp tamarind paste and 2 cups water. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 2 hours until pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt or to taste. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tamarind Pork Curry with Burmese Spices take to make?

Total time is about 145 minutes (15 min prep + 130 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 Tamarind Pork Curry with Burmese 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 pork shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Tamarind Pork Curry with Burmese 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 Tamarind Pork Curry with Burmese Spices 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 Tamarind Pork Curry with Burmese Spices?

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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