Bonnie'S Favorite Indonesian Pork Roast
Bonnie's Favorite Indonesian Pork Roast features tender, flavorful pork simmered in a savory soy-brown sugar sauce with hearty vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. Boston butt roast or boneless pork roast ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 chicken-flavored bouillon cube ⓘ
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 6 small potatoes, peeled around middle ⓘ
- 6 small onions, peeled ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the roast on all sides in hot oil in a large Dutch oven. Drain off excess oil.
- Combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and bouillon cube; add to the roast.
- Cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
- Add carrots and cook covered for 10 minutes.
- Add potatoes and onions, then cook covered for an additional 20 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
- Optional: Thicken juices with cornstarch mixed with a little water, if desired.
- Serve the juices over the roast and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the pork roast overnight in the soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic mixture. You can substitute the Boston butt with a shoulder roast if preferred. For a slightly spicier kick, add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. If you don’t have a bouillon cube, use homemade chicken broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast sliced with the tender vegetables arranged around it. Drizzle the savory juices over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or some steamed green beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork and vegetables in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bonnie'S Favorite Indonesian Pork Roast contains roughly 2362 calories, with 55g protein, 248g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (129% of the Daily Value), protein (110% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2328mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like a pork loin or shoulder, but cooking times may vary. Adjust the simmering time based on the size and type of pork you choose to ensure it's tender and flavorful.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the roast and the sauce the day before. Brown the meat and combine it with the other ingredients, then refrigerate overnight. On the day of serving, simply simmer until heated through and the vegetables are tender.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is thinner than desired, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it simmers. This will help thicken the juices for a richer consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).