Description
This Pork Coconut Stew is a comforting, tropical-inspired dish with tender pork, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant spices. It’s a rich, flavorful meal that brings the taste of the islands to your table. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests, this hearty stew is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
• 2 ½ lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1½ tsp kosher salt
• 1½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
For the Stew Base:
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups water
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, mix the pork with cumin, salt, garam masala, and cayenne. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
2. Sear the Pork: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork in batches until browned. Set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, cook onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add ginger and cook for another minute.
4. Build the Base: Pour in coconut milk, water, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir in thyme, allspice, black pepper, and cinnamon.
5. Simmer the Stew: Return the pork to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the pork is tender. (Slow cooker: 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.)
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, add lime zest or brown sugar for balance.
7. Serve: Garnish with cilantro, sliced chilies, or toasted coconut flakes. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.
Notes
• For extra spice, add a finely chopped habanero.
• For a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute pork with sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Southeast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Tropical pork stew, coconut pork stew, slow cooker pork stew, Caribbean pork stew, easy comfort food