Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs

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

Tender pork ribs glazed with a tangy tamarind sauce that balances sour and sweet notes for a bold flavor experience. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 150 minutes pairs pork ribs, tamarind paste, brown sugar 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 130 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat dry 2 lbs pork ribs and season evenly with 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Pour the tamarind glaze over the ribs, coating thoroughly. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the oven for 2 hours until ribs are tender and the sauce is sticky.
  5. Step 5: Remove foil and broil for 3-4 minutes to caramelize the glaze edges, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 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 Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs?

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 ribs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs?

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 Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs 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 Sour Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs?

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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