Are you ready for a culinary adventure? Today, we're diving into the rich and savory world of Filipino cuisine with a classic: Pork Binagoongan with Talong. This dish is a delicious symphony of salty, savory, and slightly bitter flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and offers a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will love. This easy recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large eggplant (talong), sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
- 1/2 cup bagoong alamang (shrimp paste), preferably the less salty variety
- 1/4 cup shrimp paste, (optional for extra intensity of flavor)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (toyo)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Chili peppers (siling labuyo), to taste, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a pot or a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of your Binagoongan.
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Brown the Pork: Add the pork cubes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to render some of the fat from the pork, adding richness to the dish.
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Simmer the Pork: Pour in the water, add the bagoong alamang, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add the Eggplant: After the pork is almost tender, add the sliced eggplants. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes, or until the eggplants are cooked through but still hold their shape. Don't overcook the eggplant, as it can become mushy.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more fish sauce or bagoong alamang for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference. Add the chili peppers (if using) during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pork Binagoongan:
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Choosing Bagoong: The quality of your bagoong alamang significantly impacts the flavor of the dish. Look for a less salty variety for better control over the saltiness of your Binagoongan.
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Don't Burn the Bagoong: Bagoong can burn easily, so be careful when adding it to the pan. Add it gradually and stir frequently to prevent burning.
Variations:
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Spicy Binagoongan: Add more chili peppers or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
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Vegetable Binagoongan: Replace the pork with your favorite vegetables like string beans, bitter melon, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
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Shrimp Binagoongan: Add cooked shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
This Pork Binagoongan with Talong recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy the delicious taste of the Philippines in your own kitchen!