Spiced Pork Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic
Quick stir-fried pork seasoned with tamarind, garlic, and Burmese-inspired spices for a tangy and savory flavor punch. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork tenderloin, minced garlic cloves, thinly sliced shallots 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, thinly sliced pork tenderloin
- 5, minced garlic cloves
- 2, thinly sliced shallots
- 1 1/2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup leaves fresh Thai basil
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 cup, trimmed and halved green beans
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork tenderloin to the wok and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the pork is lightly browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup trimmed and halved green beans and 1/4 cup water; cover and steam for 3 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Mix 1 1/2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl, then pour over the pork and vegetables.
- Step 5: Stir well and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork and beans.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Pork Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tamarind and Garlic?
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 thinly sliced pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pork Stir-Fry with Tamarind and Garlic?
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 Tamarind and Garlic 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 Tamarind and Garlic?
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.
