Pork Menudo Recipe

Pork Menudo is the number one on the list of my comfort foods and it’s hard for me to last a month without trying one — literally. Some would say that I am addicted to this food while others would use the term “obsession”, I just simply look at it as a necessity – a basic necessity that I cannot live without.

In almost every Philippine town fiestas or gatherings, Pork Menudo can be seen in the dining table. This is one of the favorite “putahe” (dish) served and this was the reason why different variations of this dish existed. Many Pork Menudo recipes include hotdogs (pinoy red hotdogs), green peas, or garbanzos and others would add sun dried raisins too. I think that it is a regional thing because almost different provinces have their own version. I must admit that all variation tastes as good as everyone else but I prefer the version that I grew up eating, “Anglutongbahayninanay” (my mom’s cooking).

Update: There are some people asking if they can use Filipino spaghetti sauce as an alternative for tomato sauce. I do not see it as an issue. In fact, I use it sometimes to cook Menudo and other tomato based dishes. The Filipino store is 30 minutes from my place; getting these ingredients online (if there is no immediate need) is beneficial for me. Another somewhat similar recipe that you can make is pork giniling. It uses ground pork and is perfect when served with boiled eggs.

How to Cook Pork Menudo

This pork menudo recipe requires the meat to be marinated in soy sauce and lemon first before cooking. Combine the pork, soy sauce and lemon in a bowl. Mix well and let it stay for at least 1 hour. It will be better to store the bowl inside the refrigerator while you marinate to avoid contamination. Make sure to cover the bowl before doing this.

Take the pork out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. Start to saute the garlic and onion. You will notice that this method is common in Filipino cuisine. Most Filipino foods are cooked starting with sauteing garlic and onion.

Once the onions are soft, add the marinated pork and cook until it browns. Add tomato sauce (you can also use crushed tomatoes), water (or beef broth), and bay leaves. We are using dried bay leaves for this recipe. Cover and simmer until the meat gets tender — which is usually 40 to 60 minutes depending on the quality of the meat. Once the meat is done, it is time to add the sliced liver. You can add the liver fresh or you can saute it first in ginger and garlic to make it less gamey. Add the veggies after this step and continue to cook for a few more minutes.

Add the salt and pepper depending on your preference. Also, try not to overcook the potato and carrots because it  will get very soft — unless you prefer it that way.

Try this delicious Filipino Menudo Recipe.