Indonesian Pork Roast

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Indonesian

Indonesian Pork Roast features tender pork simmered in a sweet and savory soy-vinegar sauce, perfect for flavorful family dinners or special gatherings with rice sides.

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Ingredients

  • 4 lb. pork loin
  • 1 tbsp. canola oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic

Instructions

  1. Sear the pork loin on all sides in hot canola oil.
  2. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and minced garlic in a measuring cup.
  4. Add the mixture to the pork roast.
  5. Cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, or until tender.
  6. Serve with fried rice and white rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, sear the pork loin until it's golden brown to enhance the flavor. If you're out of canola oil, vegetable oil works as a good substitute. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your preference. To add a spicy kick, consider incorporating some chili flakes or fresh ginger into the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Indonesian Pork Roast with a side of fried rice or plain white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For added freshness, consider a simple cucumber salad or steamed vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with Moma Gumbo, offering a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover pork roast should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Indonesian Pork Roast contains roughly 159 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

159 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 10.2g 13% DV
Carbs 16.5g 6% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 15.1g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1031.9mg 45% DV
Potassium 89.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Calcium 16.5mg 1% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Soy

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 pork shoulder or pork belly, which will also work well. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly; ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?

While this recipe is centered around pork, you can substitute the meat with firm tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat alternative is heated through and absorbs the flavors from the marinade.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate fresh chilies or chili paste into the marinade. You can also serve the dish with a side of chili sauce or sambal oelek for those who enjoy a spicy kick with their meal.

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).

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