Are you craving a flavorful and tender pork dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Filipino Pork Asado recipe! This classic dish is a staple in Filipino cuisine, renowned for its sweet and savory flavors, perfectly balanced with a hint of tanginess. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder (butt), cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar for extra caramelisation
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinating the Pork
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, cane sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, salt, and bay leaves. Add the pork cubes, ensuring they're fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your pork asado will be!
Step 2: Cooking the Pork
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You can either braise the pork in a Dutch oven or roast it in a baking dish. If braising, sear the pork cubes lightly on all sides in a little oil before adding the marinade. If roasting, simply place the marinated pork and marinade directly in a baking dish.
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 - 2 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. For a richer color and extra caramelization during the last 15 minutes, uncover the dish and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). If using brown sugar, sprinkle it over the pork during these last minutes.
Step 3: Serving the Pork Asado
Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the pork asado as is, or shred it with two forks for easier consumption. It's delicious served with steamed rice, pancit, and your favorite Filipino side dishes.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a sweeter asado: Increase the amount of sugar or add brown sugar as mentioned above.
- For a more savory asado: Add a tablespoon of fish sauce to the marinade.
- For a spicier asado: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the marinade.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Simply transfer the marinated pork and marinade to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the pork cubes for even cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Filipino Pork Asado recipe is a simple yet rewarding cooking experience. The result is a tender, flavorful, and unbelievably delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade culinary masterpiece! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy cooking!