A rich and comforting Filipino pork menudo made with tender pork, potatoes, carrots, and savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family meals and everyday comfort food.
🌺 A Taste of Home: Filipino Pork Menudo
Growing up, pork menudo was always one of those dishes that made the whole house smell like home. I remember watching pots gently simmer on the stove while the aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and tender pork filled the kitchen. Whether it was a simple weekday dinner or a special family gathering, menudo always found its place on the table—served hot with a big bowl of steamed rice and shared with the people we love.
This version is simple, comforting, and made with everyday ingredients, just like how many Filipino families prepare it at home.
🥘 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
•Easy and beginner-friendly
•Budget-friendly ingredients
•Perfect for meal prep
•Rich, hearty, and comforting flavors
•Family-approved classic Filipino dish
⏱ Recipe Information
•Prep Time: 15 minutes
•Cook Time: 45 minutes
•Total Time: 1 hour
•Servings: 4–6
🛒 Ingredients
•1 lb pork shoulder, diced small
•2 tablespoons oil
•4 cloves garlic, minced
•1 small onion, chopped
•2 tablespoons soy sauce
•1 cup tomato sauce
•1 cup water
•1 medium potato, diced
•1 medium carrot, diced
•1/2 cup liver spread (optional)
•2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
•1 teaspoon sugar
•Salt and pepper to taste
📝 Ingredient Notes
•Pork: Pork shoulder or pork belly works best for tenderness. Cut into small cubes for that classic menudo look.
•Liver Spread: Adds richness and depth. You can skip it if you prefer a cleaner tomato flavor.
•Tomato Sauce: This gives the dish its signature color and savory base.
•Raisins: Optional, but adds a slightly sweet contrast that many Filipino versions include.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant and soft.
Step 2: Brown the Pork
Add pork pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Pour in soy sauce, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Lower heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until pork becomes tender.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add potatoes and carrots. Cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Stir in liver spread and raisins (if using). Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with steamed white rice and enjoy!
📸 Cooking Tips for Best Results
•Cut pork into small, even cubes for faster cooking
•Simmer gently to keep the meat tender
•Add vegetables later to avoid overcooking
•Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
🍽 Serving Suggestions
•Serve with freshly steamed white rice
•Pair with fried egg for a classic Filipino meal
•Add atchara (pickled papaya) on the side for balance
🧊 Storage Instructions
•Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
•Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month
•Reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through
🔄 Substitutions
•Use chicken instead of pork
•Skip liver spread for a lighter taste
•Add bell peppers or green peas for extra texture
🥗 Nutrition Notes (Approximate)
•Calories: 320–400 per serving
•Protein: 20g
•Fat: 18g
•Carbohydrates: 20g
❓ FAQ
Can I make pork menudo ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as flavors develop.
Can I freeze menudo?
Yes, store in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
What cut of pork is best?
Pork shoulder or pork belly for best flavor and tenderness.
Do I need liver spread?
No, it’s optional but adds richness.
💡 Helpful Tips
•Always taste before serving
•Don’t rush the simmering process
•Keep sauce slightly thick, not watery
•Adjust sweetness based on preference
🌶 Variations
•Sweet Menudo: Add more raisins and a bit more sugar
•Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or fresh chili
•Party Style: Add hotdogs and green peas
🖨 Printable Recipe Card
Filipino Pork Menudo
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
Pork, garlic, onion, tomato sauce, soy sauce, potatoes, carrots, liver spread (optional)
Instructions:
Sauté → Brown pork → Add sauce → Simmer → Add vegetables → Season → Serve
