Slow-Simmered Burmese Pork Curry with Tamarind and Turmeric
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 recipe, ready in about 135 minutes, pairs 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 cups water
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
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Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Sprinkle in 1 tsp turmeric powder and stir to coat the pork evenly.
- 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.
- Step 6: Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Season with salt to taste and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.








