Spiced Pork Back Strips Braised in Tomato and Cumin Sauce

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

Slow-braised pork back strips simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce with cumin and warm spices, perfect for hearty meals. This Middle Eastern-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs pork back strips, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds pork back strips and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes total, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork strips to the pot and pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth. Season with 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise for 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or warm flatbreads.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pork Back Strips Braised in Tomato and Cumin Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 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 Spiced Pork Back Strips Braised in Tomato and Cumin Sauce?

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 back strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pork Back Strips Braised in Tomato and Cumin Sauce?

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 Spiced Pork Back Strips Braised in Tomato and Cumin Sauce 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 Spiced Pork Back Strips Braised in Tomato and Cumin Sauce?

Middle Eastern 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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