Menudo
Filipino Pork Stew
A hearty and flavorful Filipino pork stew, traditionally made with tender pork, savory liver, and a medley of vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce. A beloved classic comfort food.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pork shoulder or belly
- 200 g Pork liver
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 medium Onion
- 200 ml Tomato sauce
- 200 g Potatoes
- 100 g Carrots
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 cups Water or pork broth
- 1/2 cup Green peas (optional)
- 1/2 medium Bell pepper (red or green)
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- to taste Salt and black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Add the cubed pork and brown it on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
⏱️ 4 minutes - 3
Add the cubed pork liver to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it changes color and is lightly browned. This helps to firm up the liver and reduce its gamey flavor.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Pour in the tomato sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to combine with the aromatics and liver. Bring to a simmer.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the water or pork broth. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 6
Add the cubed potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. The stew should have thickened slightly.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 7
Stir in the chopped bell pepper and optional green peas. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the bell pepper is slightly tender-crisp and the peas are heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Serve hot, typically with steamed white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Filipino Menudo is distinct from Mexican menudo, which is a soup based on tripe.
- ✓The addition of pork liver is key to the authentic rich flavor and color of Filipino menudo. If you dislike liver, you can omit it, but the flavor profile will change.
- ✓Serve generously over fluffy steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- ✓For a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the bell peppers and peas.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a liver-free version, simply omit the pork liver.
- Add canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) along with the potatoes and carrots for added texture and protein.
- Some recipes include raisins for a touch of sweetness.