Slow-Simmered Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind and Turmeric

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork pieces simmered in a fragrant Burmese-inspired curry sauce featuring tamarind and turmeric for a distinctive tangy and earthy flavor. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, tamarind paste, turmeric powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle in 1 tsp turmeric powder and stir to coat the pork evenly.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 2 tbsp tamarind paste and 2 tbsp fish sauce, then pour 2 cups water to cover the pork. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  6. Step 6: Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt to taste and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind and Turmeric 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-Simmered Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind and Turmeric?

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-Simmered Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind and Turmeric?

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-Simmered Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind and Turmeric 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-Simmered Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind and Turmeric?

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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