Hearty Filipino Pork Menudo
Indulge in the warm embrace of Filipino cuisine with this Hearty Pork Menudo, a beloved comfort dish that brings families together. This flavorful stew features tender pork tenderloin, vibrant vegetables, and the sweetness of raisins, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for large gatherings or meal prep, this recipe yields generous servings that also freeze beautifully, allowing the flavors to develop even further over time. Ideal for serving alongside steamed rice, this Menudo is sure to become a staple at your family table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork tenderloin
1 kg (cubed)
potatoes
3 medium (cubed)
carrots
2 medium (cubed)
raisins
1/2 cup
red bell pepper
1 medium (diced)
green bell pepper
1 medium (diced)
tomato sauce
500 ml
liver spread
100 g
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
grated romano cheese
50 g
bay leaves
2
Sprite
1 cup
soy sauce
4 tablespoons
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
lemon zest
1 lemon (zest only)
ground black pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, Sprite, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Reserve half of the marinade for later use.
2
Add the pork cubes to the remaining marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Add the bay leaf, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3
After marinating, remove the pork from the marinade and let it drip dry. Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped garlic and onion until fragrant.
4
Add the marinated pork to the pot along with the reserved marinade and bay leaf. Cook uncovered, simmering until the liquid is reduced by half.
5
If using fresh pork liver, add it to the pot now. Cover and let it cook until the liver is tender.
6
Stir in the tomato sauce, liver spread (if using), cubed carrots, potatoes, and raisins. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.
7
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the diced red and green bell peppers. Adjust seasoning with ground black pepper as needed.
8
Finish by stirring in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt completely and blend into the stew. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Filipino Pork Menudo?
Filipino Pork Menudo is a traditional, hearty stew made with cubed pork, vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and a rich tomato-based sauce, often featuring liver or liver spread for depth.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 kg of pork tenderloin, which is cubed for even cooking and tenderness.
Why is Sprite used in the marinade?
Sprite acts as both a tenderizer for the pork and a sweetener that balances the acidity of the citrus and tomato sauce.
How long should I marinate the pork?
The pork should be marinated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors of the soy sauce, Sprite, and lemon to penetrate the meat.
Can I use fresh pork liver instead of liver spread?
Yes, the recipe allows for fresh pork liver. If using it, add it to the pot after reducing the marinade and cook until tender before adding the vegetables.
What is the purpose of liver spread in Menudo?
Liver spread adds a unique creaminess and a savory, earthy richness to the tomato sauce that defines the classic Menudo flavor.
Is this Pork Menudo recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly. In fact, the flavors often develop even further over time, making it excellent for meal prep.
What role does grated romano cheese play in the recipe?
Grated romano cheese is stirred in at the end to melt into the stew, adding a salty, savory finish and a velvety texture to the sauce.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
This recipe includes medium-sized cubed potatoes and carrots, along with diced red and green bell peppers.
When do I add the bell peppers?
The red and green bell peppers are added near the end of the cooking process, once the potatoes and carrots are already tender.
Why are raisins added to a savory pork dish?
Raisins provide small bursts of sweetness that contrast and balance the savory tomato sauce and salty soy sauce components.
How do I serve Hearty Filipino Pork Menudo?
It is traditionally served hot alongside a generous portion of steamed white rice.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as slow-cooker friendly, though the instructions provided focus on a stovetop method.
How much tomato sauce is required?
You will need 500 ml of tomato sauce for this specific recipe.
What citrus elements are used for the marinade?
The marinade uses both 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the zest of one whole lemon for a bright, acidic profile.
How many bay leaves should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 bay leaves to provide an aromatic herbal background to the stew.
Should the marinade be discarded?
No, you should reserve half of the marinade for later use and add the rest to the pot while cooking the pork.
What is the first step in preparing the pork?
The first step is to combine the soy sauce, Sprite, lemon juice, and zest in a bowl to create the marinade for the cubed meat.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of chopped garlic, which are sauteed with onion until fragrant.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe specifically recommends 50 g of grated romano cheese.
Can I use calamansi instead of lemon?
While the recipe specifies lemon, calamansi is a traditional Filipino substitute that works very well for the required acidity.
How long do I simmer the sauce?
The initial liquid should be simmered uncovered until it is reduced by half to concentrate the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, the recipe yields generous servings and is described as being perfect for large family gatherings.
How do I season the final dish?
Once the vegetables are cooked, you can adjust the final seasoning with ground black pepper to taste.
What is the preparation for the potatoes and carrots?
Both the potatoes and carrots should be peeled and cut into medium-sized cubes.
Do I need to brown the meat?
The instructions involve sauteing the garlic and onion and then simmering the marinated pork in the liquid rather than a high-heat sear.
What makes this 'Hearty' Menudo?
The combination of pork tenderloin, multiple vegetables, liver spread, and cheese creates a thick, filling, and nutrient-dense stew.
How do I know when the liver is done?
If using fresh liver, cover the pot and cook until the liver is tender but not overcooked, which can make it rubbery.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
While this is a pork recipe, the same flavor profile and ingredients can be adapted for a 'Chicken Menudo' using chicken thighs.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe relies on the 4 tablespoons of soy sauce and the romano cheese for saltiness rather than adding additional table salt.