Slow-Cooked Tamarind Pork with Lao Herb Salad

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich pork shoulder slow-cooked in a tangy tamarind sauce, paired with a refreshing Lao herb salad to balance the flavors. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 460 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks, tamarind paste, palm sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 40 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks with 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp palm sugar, 4 tbsp fish sauce, and 5 minced garlic cloves. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the pork and marinade into a slow cooker. Add 2 thinly sliced shallots on top and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork cooks, prepare the herb salad by combining 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts in a bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve the shredded tamarind pork over steamed jasmine rice with a generous side of the fresh herb salad for contrast and brightness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tamarind Pork with Lao Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 460 minutes (40 min prep + 420 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 with Lao Herb Salad?

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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Tamarind Pork with Lao Herb Salad?

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 with Lao Herb Salad 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 with Lao Herb Salad?

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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