Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Thai Basil and Chili

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

Succulent pork belly bites glazed with tangy tamarind sauce, balanced by spicy Thai chili and fragrant fresh basil for a flavorful appetizer or snack. This thai-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork belly, tamarind paste, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 3 minced garlic cloves until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed pork belly and sear for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are crispy and browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour the tamarind glaze over the pork belly in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork belly pieces with a sticky shine.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 thinly sliced fresh Thai red chilies and 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss gently to combine and release the basil aroma.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the pork bites.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Thai Basil and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Thai Basil and Chili?

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-Glazed Pork Belly Bites with Thai Basil and Chili?

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 Thai Basil and Chili 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 Thai Basil and Chili?

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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