Tamarind and Coconut Braised Pork Shoulder with Jasmine Rice
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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Serve the tamarind coconut pork over jasmine rice, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing.
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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