When you think about cooking with pork, the possibilities are endless. From simple to complex dishes, pork always brings a delicious and satisfying flavor to the table.
And one of my most favorite dishes to make with pork is pork hamonado.
Pork Hamonado is a Filipino recipe where the pork is marinated and cooked until tender with pineapple juice, giving it that distinct sweet taste. It’s perfect for family gatherings or even just a special dinner at home. I remember the first time cooking this was when I wanted to surprise my family with something special. The aroma filled the house, and everyone was so excited to try it.
It’s those moments that make cooking so special, right? Now, let’s get into how you can make your own Pork Hamonado and create some wonderful memories too.
What is Pork Hamonado and Why is it a Must Try?
Pork Hamonado is a delightful Filipino dish that’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish features pork marinated and cooked in pineapple juice, which gives it a unique and irresistible taste. The pork becomes tender and juicy, while the pineapple adds a sweet, tangy twist that makes every bite special.
So, why is Pork Hamonado a must-try?
Here are a few reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make Pork Hamonado. Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen.
- Easy to Cook: Despite its rich flavor, Pork Hamonado is surprisingly easy to prepare. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
- Crowd Pleaser: The combination of sweet and savory flavors appeals to all ages. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
- Versatile: You can enjoy Pork Hamonado with steamed rice, fried rice, or even as a filling in sandwiches. It’s a dish that fits any meal of the day.
- Rich in Flavor: The marination process ensures that the pork absorbs all the flavors, making it deliciously flavorful and tender.
If you haven’t tried Pork Hamonado yet, now is the perfect time to give it a go. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how much everyone will enjoy it. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Pork Hamonado Ingredients
- Pork Belly / Pork Shoulder
You can use pork belly or pork shoulder for this recipe. Both cuts become tender and tasty when cooked, making them great for Pork Hamonado. - Pineapple Juice and Pineapple Chunks
Pineapple juice gives the dish its sweet and tangy flavor, while pineapple chunks add little bits of fruity goodness. The pineapple also helps to make the pork tender. - Soy Sauce, Vinegar, and Brown Sugar
These three ingredients make the perfect marinade. Soy sauce adds a salty taste, vinegar gives a bit of tanginess, and brown sugar makes it sweet. - Garlic and Onion
Minced garlic and chopped onion add lots of flavor. They make the dish smell and taste amazing. - Black Pepper, Bay Leaves, and Salt
Ground black pepper, bay leaves, and salt are important for seasoning. They add more flavor and bring out the best in the other ingredients. - Cooking Oil and Water
We use cooking oil to fry the garlic and onion, which makes them taste even better. Water is added to help cook the pork until it’s soft and juicy.
How To Cook Pork Adobo
Marinate the Pork
First things first, grab your pork and toss it in a bowl. Pour in some soy sauce, vinegar and add a bunch of crushed garlic. Mix it up real good so that pork gets all cozy in that tasty marinade. Let it chill in the fridge for 60 minutes – patience pays off, trust me.
Drain the Marinade
After marinating, we need to separate the pork from the marinade. Use a strainer or colander over another bowl. Pour the pork and marinade into the strainer, letting the liquid drain into the bowl below. Give it a few minutes to make sure all the excess marinade is out. Keep both the pork and the marinade – we’ll need them later.
Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In a large pan or pot, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking them until they turn soft and translucent.
Cook the Pork
Add the marinated pork to the pan (but save the marinade). Cook the pork until it’s browned on all sides.
Simmer with Marinade
Pour the reserved marinade and a cup of water into the pot. Add the bay leaves, then bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Add Pineapple Chunks
When the pork is tender, add the pineapple chunks. Season with salt to taste. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Adjust the Sauce
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens to your liking.
Serve
Serve your Pork Hamonado hot with steamed rice. You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar, depending on your taste. Happy cooking! Enjoy!
Hamonadong Baboy Cooking Tips
Choose the Right Cut of Pork
Use pork belly for a richer, more tender dish, or pork shoulder for a leaner option. Both cuts work well, but they offer slightly different textures.
Marinate Overnight
While marinating for an hour works, leaving the pork in the marinade overnight will give you the best flavor. The longer it soaks, the more delicious it becomes.
Drain the Marinade Well
Make sure to let the pork drain well before cooking. This helps the pork brown nicely in the pan and prevents it from steaming.
Brown the Pork Properly
Take your time to brown the pork on all sides. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so don’t rush it.
Simmer Gently
When you bring everything to a boil, make sure to reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cooking slowly allows the pork to become tender and lets the flavors blend well
Stir Occasionally
Stir the pork occasionally while it’s simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pot and to ensure even cooking.
Adjust the Sauce
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it reaches the desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, taste your Hamonadong Baboy and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, sugar, or vinegar to get the perfect balance of flavors.
Use Fresh Pineapple
If you can, use fresh pineapple chunks. They add a more vibrant flavor compared to canned ones.
Serve Hot
Serve the dish hot with freshly steamed rice. The flavors are best enjoyed when the dish is warm.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious and memorable Hamonadong Baboy. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions
Serve Pork Hamonado with steamed rice. The rice helps balance the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.
Add more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess. Adjust to your taste before serving.
Yes, you can freeze Pork Hamonado. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. Simmer until you reach the desired consistency.
Pork Hamonado
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram Pork Belly / Pork Shoulder (cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice (unsweetened)
- 4 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 6 tbsp Brown sugar
- 4 tbsp Vinegar
- 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 piece Onion large (chopped)
- 1 cup Water
- 2 piece Bay Leaves
- 1 cup Pineapple Chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pork, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results). Cover the bowl in cling wrap to avoid contamination.
- After marinating the pork, separate the pork from the marinade.You'll need a strainer (or colander) and a bowl. Carefully pour the pork and marinade into the strainer. The liquid marinade will drain into the bowl below, leaving the pork in the strainer. Allow the pork to sit in the strainer for a few minutes to ensure all the excess marinade has drained off. Set aside the pork and marinade for later use.
- In a large pan or pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until translucent. Add the marinated pork (reserve the marinade) and cook until the meat is browned on all sides.
- Pour the reserved marinade and water into the pot. Add the bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- When the pork is tender, add the pineapple chunks. Season with salt to taste. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water. If it's too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve the Hamonadong Baboy hot with steamed rice. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or vinegar, depending on your preference. Happy cooking! Enjoy!
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