Spiced Pork Stir-Fry with Shallots and Tamarind Glaze

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

A quick Burmese-inspired pork stir-fry featuring thinly sliced pork, caramelized shallots, and a tangy tamarind glaze. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, thinly sliced, shallots, thinly sliced, tamarind paste 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 6 thinly sliced shallots and sauté for 5 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 sliced fresh green chilies to the shallots, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to high and add 1 lb thinly sliced pork tenderloin, stir-frying for 5-7 minutes until the pork is cooked through and beginning to brown.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp soy sauce in a small bowl, then pour this tamarind glaze over the pork. Toss to coat and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and remove from heat. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped spring onions before serving hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pork Stir-Fry with Shallots and Tamarind Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Stir-Fry with Shallots and Tamarind Glaze?

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 shallots, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pork Stir-Fry with Shallots and Tamarind Glaze?

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 Stir-Fry with Shallots and Tamarind Glaze 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 Spiced Pork Stir-Fry with Shallots and Tamarind Glaze?

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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