Pork Afritada Recipe Tagalog: Filipino Stew With Potatoes And Carrots

This Filipino stew brings comfort in every bite, with tender pork, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich tomato sauce. I’ve tested this method in my tiny Boston kitchen to ensure consistent results every time.

The dish starts with marinated pork, allowing the flavors to develop deeply before slow cooking. A blend of soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves creates the authentic Tagalog taste that defines this beloved family meal.

What you’ll get is a hearty, flavorful stew where the sauce thickens naturally, coating every ingredient. The vegetables soak up the savory broth, making each mouthful satisfying and balanced.

Serve it over steamed rice for a meal that feels like home, no matter where you are. Here’s how to make it right.

Ingredients for Pork Afritada Recipe Tagalog

Tender pork, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots come together in this hearty stew.

The pork shoulder is key here—look for well-marbled pieces at your butcher or Asian grocery stores (they often have it pre-cut). I’ve found Whole Foods and H Mart have great quality, but any supermarket with a decent meat section works. Peeled potatoes and carrots soak up the sauce best, and cutting them evenly means everything finishes at the same time (no one wants crunchy carrots in their stew).

No pork shoulder? Pork butt or country-style ribs work just as well. Out of tomato sauce? Crushed tomatoes blended smooth get the job done. Fresh garlic is ideal, but jarred minced garlic at half the amount saves time. Bay leaves can be skipped in a pinch, but they add that authentic depth—don’t substitute with ground bay leaf, it’s way too strong.

This stew tastes even better the next day. Keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days or freezes for 3 months. I like to make a double batch—leftovers disappear fast in my house (and the sauce thickens up nicely).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Afritada

Here’s how I make this comforting Filipino stew with the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Pork

Heat the 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the 1 whole onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This builds the flavor base for the stew.

Push the onion to one side and add the 1.5 lb pork shoulder cubes. Brown them on all sides for 5-7 minutes until they develop a light golden crust. Stir in the 6 cloves garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Pour in the 0.25 cup soy sauce and 2 cups tomato sauce, stirring to coat the pork evenly. Add the 2 pieces bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. You’ll notice the pork starting to release its juices, which deepens the richness of the sauce.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer

Add the 4 whole potatoes, 3 whole carrots, and 1 cup water to the pot. Stir well to combine and bring back to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.

This step transforms the dish into a hearty stew. Check occasionally and stir gently to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Finish with Green Bell Pepper

Stir in the 1 whole green bell pepper strips and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they soften but still retain a slight crispness. The bell pepper adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the rich sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Storing and Reheating pork afritada recipe tagalog

Refrigerator Storage

Let your stew cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring. I use glass containers with tight lids—they’re easy to stack and let me see what’s inside. Store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days; the flavors deepen overnight. ❄️

Freezer Storage

This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months without losing texture. Portion into quart-sized freezer bags, lay flat to save space, and squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date so you don’t forget what’s inside.

Stovetop Reheating

My preferred method: warm over medium-low heat in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally for 10-15 minutes until bubbling. If the sauce thickens too much, add ¼ cup water to loosen it. 🔥

Microwave Reheating

For quick meals, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel. Use 70% power for 2-3 minutes, stir, then heat in 30-second bursts until steaming. This prevents the potatoes from turning mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions