Pork Menudo Recipe Without Liver: Easy Filipino Stew Guide

Introducing the Pork Menudo Recipe Without Liver

Picture this: sizzling pork chunks bathing in a rich, tomato-based sauce, surrounded by a medley of colorful vegetables. If you’re salivating already, you’re about to fall in love with this pork menudo recipe without liver. This popular dish in Filipino cuisine is a staple at family gatherings, being a true crowd-pleaser. With a burst of flavor in every bite-size piece, it’s no wonder why this dish is a favorite at any time of the year.

The Origins of Pork Menudo

Menudo is a hearty Filipino stew that traces its roots back to Spanish colonization. It typically includes pork meat, liver, and a host of common vegetables. However, there are different versions of this dish throughout the archipelago, with some even using chicken meat or goat meat. This recipe will focus on a pork menudo recipe without liver, ideal for those who aren’t fans of this particular ingredient.

Understanding the Ingredients

Our pork menudo recipe without liver calls for simple ingredients you can easily find at budget-friendly eateries or wet markets. The star of the dish is, of course, the pork. Cuts like pork shoulder or pork butt work great, but you can also use pork belly for a richer flavor. The rest of the ingredients include tomato sauce, bell peppers, green peas, soy sauce, and garbanzo beans. Fresh tomatoes, fish sauce, bay leaves, black pepper, cooking oil, and tomato paste round off the list.

Replacing Liver in the Recipe

Traditionally, pork menudo includes pork liver or beef liver for added depth of flavor. Some versions of this dish even use liver spread. But for our pork menudo recipe without liver, we’ll be using a different ingredient to achieve a similar richness: Worcestershire sauce. This condiment adds a savory tang that complements the sweet and sour taste of the tomato-based sauce.

Preparation: Cutting and Marinating the Pork

The first step in our delicious recipe is to cut the pork into small cubes. Once that’s done, marinate the pork in a soy-calamansi mixture. For those who don’t have calamansi, lime juice works as a great substitute. Let the pork marinate inside a resealable bag or airtight container for later use, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Cooking the Pork Menudo

Next, it’s cooking time! Heat up some cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until it turns brown. At this stage, you can also add cloves garlic for added aroma.

Adding the Rest of the Ingredients

The next step is to add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, followed by the bell peppers, green peas, and garbanzo beans. Stir everything together, ensuring every piece of pork is well-coated in the tomato-based sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving the Pork Menudo

After a good simmering time, your pork menudo recipe without liver is ready to serve! This flavorful pork menudo is best enjoyed with warm rice. You can also store the leftovers in an airtight container, as the stew tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld together.

Pork Menudo Recipe Without Liver: A Delicious Twist on a Filipino Classic

There you have it – a delicious dish that’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate! This pork menudo recipe without liver offers a delightful combination of tender pork pieces, colorful vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s a tasty dish that embodies distinct Filipino flavors, perfect for family dinner or feeding a large crowd. Whether it’s a special occasion or just an ordinary day, this pork menudo is sure to be a hit!