Filipino Pork Menudo is a flavorful pork stew dish that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. With a Spanish influence, this popular dish features tender pork chunks simmered in a hearty tomato-based sauce, complemented by a medley of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Often infused with a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and aromatic spices, this Filipino Pork Menudo recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
You can expect to see this hearty pork stew served at family dinners or during special occasions at large family gatherings.
Be sure to check out my other recipes with Spanish influence, like my Pork Mechado, Chicken Afritada, Chicken Mechado, Beef Caldereta, and Beef Mechado.
Jump to:
Simple Ingredients
- Pork Belly
- Soy Sauce
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Chicken Broth
- Sugar
- Bay Leaf
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Green Bell Pepper
- Red Bell Pepper
- Salt and Black Peppercorns
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Season Pork. In a medium bowl, season season small cubes of pork with salt and soy sauce. Set aside.
Step 2: Make a Sofrito. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes in hot oil until softened and caramelized.
Step 3: Add the marinated pork to the skillet with the aromatics.
Step 4: Add potatoes, water (or broth), salt, black pepper, sugar and bay leaves. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Add the carrots to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
Step 6: Add the green and red bell peppers. Cook for another two minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
*Refer to recipe card for more specific instructions.
Substitutions
If you're looking for substitutions for Filipino pork menudo ingredients, here are some alternatives you can consider. Keep in mind that these substitutions might alter the flavor and texture slightly, but they can still result in a tasty dish:
- Pork Belly: Substitute with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein option. Or use other cuts of pork like pork shoulder or pork butt.
- Carrots: Replace with sweet potatoes or add more bell peppers for added sweetness and color.
- Potatoes: Swap with turnips, garbanzo beans, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for a different texture.
- Tomatoes: Use tomato paste or tomato sauce in place of fresh tomatoes.
- Sweet Bell Pepper: Experiment with different colored bell peppers or use other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- Garlic: If you don't have fresh cloves of garlic, use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
- Onions: Swap with shallots or red onions for a different flavor profile.
- Soy sauce: Fish sauce can be used as a substitute for soy sauce. Remember that fish sauce has a very strong and pungent flavor so try ½ ratio to 1 at first and see how the flavor suits you.
- Optional ingredients:
- Green Peas: Use frozen or fresh peas for added color and sweetness.
- Raisins: Add sweetness to the dish, which helps balance out the acidity from the tomatoes.
- Liver: Filipino Menudo is traditionally made using beef liver, chicken liver, pork liver, or liver spread. However, if you are not a fan, use mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Hotdog or Sausage: The addition of hotdog and/or sausage gives this pork stew distinct Filipino flavors. I typically don't add them when making my version of Filipino Menudo.
Remember to adjust quantities and cooking times accordingly when making substitutions, as different ingredients may require different cooking times and techniques. Additionally, feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.
Different Versions of this Dish
Filipino pork menudo is a versatile dish, and you can experiment with various ingredients and cooking methods to create unique variations. Here are some ideas for variations to Filipino Pork Menudo:
- Spicy Pork Menudo - Add chopped fresh chili peppers or hot sauce to spice your menudo. You can also include chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Coconut Milk Pork Menudo - Replace some or all of the tomato sauce with coconut milk for a creamy and slightly sweet variation.
- Pineapple Pork Menudo - Add pineapple chunks or pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy flavor. This adds a tropical twist to the dish.
- Pork Menudo with Peanut Sauce - Introduce a rich and nutty flavor by incorporating peanut butter or crushed peanuts into the sauce.
- Healthy Pork Menudo - Use lean pork cuts or ground pork for a healthier version. Increase the vegetable content by adding more bell peppers, tomatoes, and other veggies.
- Adobo-style Pork Menudo - Marinate the pork in an adobo sauce (soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and pepper) before cooking. This adds a savory and tangy dimension to the dish.
- Spanish-style Pork Menudo - Include green olives and capers to give your menudo a Spanish twist. This variation is reminiscent of the flavors of Filipino-Spanish cuisine.
- Vegetarian Menudo - Replace the pork with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version. Increase the amount of vegetables and consider using vegetable broth instead of pork broth.
- Mushroom Pork Menudo - Replace some of the meat with various mushrooms for a meaty and earthy flavor. Shiitake or oyster mushrooms work well.
Feel free to combine these ideas or create your own variations based on your taste preferences. Cooking is an art, and experimenting with different ingredients can lead to delicious and personalized dishes.
Storage
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of leftover Filipino pork menudo. Here are some guidelines on how to store it:
Refrigeration:
- Allow the leftover menudo to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking.
- Transfer the leftovers into shallow, airtight containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the pork menudo within two hours of cooking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- If you don't plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them in an airtight container for longer storage.
- Portion the menudo into meal-sized portions and place them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Frozen pork menudo can be stored for 2-3 months.
Thawing:
- When ready to eat frozen menudo, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- You can also use the defrost function on your microwave if you need to thaw it quickly, but it's best to thaw gradually for better texture.
Reheating:
- Reheat leftover pork menudo thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
- You can reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan or skillet or heat in a microwave using a microwave-safe container.
- Stir the menudo periodically during reheating to ensure even heating.
Discard if Unsure:
- If you notice any off smells, unusual colors, or signs of spoilage, discard the leftover menudo.
- If in doubt about the safety or quality, it's better to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it.
Always use proper food safety practices to ensure your leftovers remain safe to eat. Additionally, it's important to note that repeated reheating and cooling can affect the texture and taste of the dish, so try to reheat only the amount you plan to consume to maintain its quality.
Top tip
- Dice all vegetables the same size so they cook quickly and evenly.
FAQ
Yes, definitely! While pork is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the choice of meat.
Absolutely! In fact, Menudo tends to develop even richer flavors when reheated. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Menudo is often served with steamed rice, but you can pair it with bread, noodles, or even quinoa. A side of green salad or pickled vegetables can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Certainly! Adjust the cooking times and follow the typical layering of ingredients. Sear the pork on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender.
Other Pork Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Filipino Pork Menudo:
📖 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the marinate:
- 1½ pounds Pork Belly cubed
- 3 tablespoon Soy Sauce regular or low sodium
Rest of the Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 medium Onion sliced
- 2 medium Tomatoes sliced
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 cup Water or Broth
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 medium Potato diced
- 1 medium Carrot diced
- 1 Bell Pepper red or green or combination
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, season season small cubes of pork with salt and soy sauce. Set aside.1½ pounds Pork Belly, 3 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes in hot oil until softened and caramelized.3 cloves Garlic, 1 medium Onion, 2 medium Tomatoes, 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Add the marinated pork to the skillet.
- Add potatoes, water (or broth), salt, black pepper, sugar and bay leaves. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.1 cup Water or Broth, 2 teaspoon Sugar, 1 medium Potato, 1 Bay Leaf
- Add the carrots to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes or until the carrots are tender.1 medium Carrot
- Add the green and red bell peppers. Cook for another two minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.1 Bell Pepper, Salt and Pepper
Notes
- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option for this dish.
- Use my recipe for chicken broth for a tastier dish.
Comments
No Comments