Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Pickled Cucumber Salad

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

Tender, caramelized pork belly bites tossed in a tangy tamarind glaze served alongside a refreshing pickled cucumber salad for a balance of rich and bright flavors. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons tamarind paste, tablespoon brown sugar, tablespoon soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound cubed pork belly and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently, until edges are golden and the pork is cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Pour the tamarind glaze over the pork belly in the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pork in a sticky, caramelized glaze.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 medium thinly sliced cucumber, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the tamarind-glazed pork belly bites hot alongside the chilled pickled cucumber salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Pickled Cucumber Salad 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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Pickled Cucumber Salad?

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 tablespoons tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Pickled Cucumber Salad?

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-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Pickled Cucumber Salad 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 Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Pickled Cucumber Salad?

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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