Tamarind and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder with Jasmine Rice

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

Slow-braised pork shoulder in a tangy tamarind and creamy coconut sauce served alongside fragrant jasmine rice for a rich and fragrant meal. This thai-inspired pork ready in about 140 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes, tamarind paste, (13.5 oz) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 Thai cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large sliced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the pork to the pot and stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat to maintain gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours or until pork is tender.
  4. Step 4: While pork braises, rinse 2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice with 3 cups water in a rice cooker or pot; cook until fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the tamarind coconut pork over jasmine rice, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder with Jasmine Rice 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 Tamarind and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder with Jasmine Rice?

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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder with Jasmine Rice?

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 Tamarind and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder with Jasmine Rice 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 Tamarind and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder with Jasmine Rice?

Thai 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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