Spicy Laotian Tamarind Pork Stir-Fry
A vibrant stir-fry combining tender pork with a tangy tamarind sauce and fresh herbs for a balanced spicy and sour flavor. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, thinly sliced, tamarind paste, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 red chili peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until the sugar dissolves to create the sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 sliced red chili peppers, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the pork is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Add 2 thinly sliced shallots and pour in the tamarind sauce mixture. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and toss in 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and 2 chopped green onions for freshness and aroma.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for an authentic Laotian meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Laotian Tamarind Pork Stir-Fry 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 Spicy Laotian Tamarind Pork Stir-Fry?
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 shoulder, thinly sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Laotian Tamarind Pork Stir-Fry?
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 Spicy Laotian Tamarind Pork Stir-Fry 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 Spicy Laotian Tamarind Pork Stir-Fry?
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.
