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Filipino Pork Asado

A savory Filipino dish featuring pork braised in a rich, sweet-salty sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: Braised Pork, comfort food, Filipino Cuisine, Pork Asado, Savory Pork Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into big chunks Pork belly is richer; shoulder is more affordable.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Use extra if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Soy sauce The salty base of the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness.
  • 3 leaves Bay leaves For added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns or cracked black pepper
  • 1 piece Star anise (optional) Adds a warm flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons Cooking oil For browning the pork.
  • 2 cups Water or broth Use enough to almost cover the pork.
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar or lemon juice (optional) For a tangy flavor.
  • 1 cup Onions, sliced (optional) For added sweetness.
  • 1 cup Potatoes, cubed (optional) Adds heartiness.
  • 1 cup Carrots, sliced (optional) Adds sweetness.
  • 1 cup Pineapple chunks (optional) For a sweet twist.

Instructions

Cooking the Pork

  • Brown the pork chunks in a large pot with hot oil until the edges are crispy.
  • Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
  • Pour soy sauce and enough water or broth to almost cover the pork. Add bay leaves, black pepper, and star anise.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender.

Preparing the Sauce

  • Once the pork is tender, add brown sugar directly into the pot.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity with more sugar or lemon/vinegar as needed.
  • The sauce should coat a spoon but not be overly thick.

Combining and Simmering

  • Allow the dish to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, to thicken the sauce without drying it out.
  • If using, add cubed potatoes or sliced carrots to soften as it cooks.
  • Adjust the heat if necessary to achieve a glossy sauce that clings to the pork.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice for a classic combination. Leftovers taste even better the next day, and can be reheated gently with a splash of water to prevent drying out.