Pork Binagoongan Recipe Simpol: Fermented Shrimp Paste Pork Stew with Eggplant

This Filipino pork stew captures the bold, umami-rich flavors of fermented shrimp paste combined with tender pork and silky eggplant. I perfected this traditional dish after studying my grandmother’s handwritten notes, which lacked precise measurements.

The key is balancing the salty shrimp paste with tangy tomatoes and creamy coconut milk. This method transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful stew that’s both comforting and complex.

You’ll achieve tender pork pieces soaking up the rich, savory sauce, with eggplant that melts in your mouth. The aroma alone will transport you to a Filipino kitchen.

Serve with steamed rice to soak up every last bit of the sauce. This recipe stays true to tradition while being simple enough for any home cook.

Ingredients for Pork Binagoongan Recipe Simpol

Rich pork, briny shrimp paste, and silky eggplant come together beautifully here.

The shrimp paste is non-negotiable—Filipino markets or Asian grocery stores carry the real stuff (look for bagoong alamang). Pork belly gives the best texture (that melt-in-your-mouth fat), but pork shoulder works if that’s what’s available. I always grab my coconut milk from Trader Joe’s—consistent quality without weird additives. For eggplant, Japanese variety has thinner skin and fewer seeds (less bitterness).

No shrimp paste? Anchovy paste at half the amount gets you close but won’t be the same. Short on eggplant? Zucchini or okra hold up well in the stew. Can’t find long green chiles? Jalapeños or serranos work—just adjust for heat. The fish sauce can be swapped for soy sauce in a pinch, but expect a different flavor profile. Fresh ginger is ideal, but ground ginger at a quarter the amount works too.

Leftovers taste even better the next day once flavors meld. Stores 3-4 days in the fridge, freezes for 3 months. Reheat gently to keep the eggplant intact (it gets mushy if boiled hard). Always serve with fresh steamed rice—it’s the perfect vehicle for that rich, umami-packed sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fermented Shrimp Paste Pork Stew with Eggplant

This method balances bold flavors with simple technique for authentic results.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor Base

Heat the 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped Yellow Onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. This creates the sweet foundation for your stew.

Add the minced Garlic Cloves, thinly sliced Ginger Root, and 2 whole Long Green Chile. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns light golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it turns bitter quickly.

Step 2: Brown the Pork and Develop Depth

Increase heat to medium-high and add the 1.5 lb Pork Belly cubes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork develops a light brown crust on all sides. This browning adds rich, meaty depth to the dish.

Stir in the 0.25 cup Fermented Shrimp Paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly. You’ll notice the aroma become more pronounced—this is the shrimp paste releasing its umami essence. Add the 1 whole Bay Leaf at this stage.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables and Liquids

Add the 2 whole Japanese Eggplant slices and 3 whole Roma Tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes until the eggplant begins to soften slightly. The eggplant will absorb the flavors of the pork and aromatics beautifully.

Pour in the 1 can Coconut Milk, 1 tbsp Fish Sauce, 2 tbsp White Vinegar, and 1 tsp Brown Sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients. The vinegar helps balance the saltiness of the shrimp paste, while the sugar rounds out the flavors.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pork to become tender and fork-easy while the eggplant melts into the sauce.

The stew should thicken slightly as it cooks, with the coconut milk creating a rich, creamy base. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—remember that the shrimp paste is already quite salty, so go easy on additional salt.

Step 5: Rest and Serve Over Rice

Once the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the 1 whole Bay Leaf. Let the stew rest for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to settle.

Serve hot over the 4 cups Steamed Rice. The contrast between the rich, tangy stew and the neutral rice is what makes this dish truly special. Each bite should deliver a perfect balance of savory, slightly funky shrimp paste, tender pork, and creamy coconut.

Dietary Considerations for This Recipe

Gluten-Free Naturally

This dish is inherently gluten-free since it relies on rice as the base and contains no wheat products. The fermented shrimp paste and fish sauce are traditionally gluten-free, but always check labels as some brands add wheat as a thickener. 💪

Dairy-Free Option

The recipe uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it naturally dairy-free. No modifications are needed for those avoiding lactose. I love how the coconut milk adds creaminess without any dairy at all.

Low-Carb Adjustments

To reduce carbs, simply decrease the steamed rice portion or serve with cauliflower rice instead. The stew itself is naturally low in carbohydrates, with most coming from the vegetables. This keeps the dish keto-friendly with minimal changes.

Allergen Awareness

This stew contains shrimp paste and fish sauce, so it’s not suitable for those with shellfish or fish allergies. For nut allergies, ensure your coconut milk is processed in a nut-free facility. Always verify ingredient sources.

Sodium Considerations

The fermented shrimp paste and fish sauce are high in sodium. I recommend reducing other added salts and using low-sodium fish sauce if available. Taste as you cook to control saltiness.

Vegetable Swaps

For a lighter version, replace pork belly with chicken thighs or tofu. The eggplant can be swapped for zucchini or okra without affecting the dish’s core character. These changes keep the stew delicious while fitting different dietary needs. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions