Tamarind Lemongrass Pork Curry

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

A rich, spiced curry with tender pork simmered in coconut milk with tamarind and lemongrass. This asian ready in about 80 minutes pairs stalks, finely chopped Lemongrass, Tamarind paste, (13.5 oz / 400ml) 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 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: 25 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 stalks finely chopped lemongrass and 1 medium thinly sliced onion, and cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp palm sugar. Cook for 1 minute until sugar dissolves.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) coconut milk and add 2 finely chopped chili peppers. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until pork is tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken sauce.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind Lemongrass Pork Curry take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 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 Lemongrass Pork Curry?

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 Lemongrass Pork Curry?

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 Lemongrass Pork Curry 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 Lemongrass Pork Curry?

Asian asian 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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