This Filipino stew brings the warmth of home cooking to your table with tender pork, hearty hominy, and a rich tomato base. I developed this version after testing multiple techniques to capture authentic flavor without complicated steps.
What makes this recipe special is its balance of savory pork, slightly sweet hominy, and tangy tomato sauce. The pork becomes fork-tender after simmering, while the vegetables soak up the flavorful broth.
You’ll end up with a comforting bowl that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The stew thickens naturally as it cooks, creating a sauce that clings to every ingredient.
Serve with steamed rice to soak up every last drop. Here’s how to make this satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Pork Menudo Recipe Simpol
Pantry staples plus a quick stop at the meat counter bring this hearty stew to life.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder 🥩 | 1 ½ lb | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| White Hominy 🌽 | 2 cups | Canned, drained and rinsed |
| Tomato Sauce 🍅 | 2 cups | Smooth variety preferred |
| Potatoes 🥔 | 2 whole | Peeled and cubed |
| Carrots 🥕 | 2 whole | Peeled and sliced |
| Bell Pepper 🌶️ | 1 whole | Diced, any color |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Yellow or white, chopped |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Minced finely |
| Bay Leaves 🍃 | 2 pieces | Dried, whole |
| Water 💧 | 3 cups | For simmering pork |
| Soy Sauce 🫙 | 2 tbsp | All-purpose variety |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Cooking Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | Neutral flavor preferred |
The pork is the star here. Pork shoulder (sometimes labeled as pork butt) gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture—avoid lean cuts like tenderloin. I grab mine from Costco for big batches or the local butcher for smaller portions. Look for good marbling; that fat renders down into the broth for extra flavor. Most supermarkets have it pre-cubed, which saves time.
No hominy? Chickpeas or white beans work as a substitute (just adjust cook time). Fresh tomatoes can replace the sauce in a pinch, but you’ll need to simmer longer. The soy sauce adds umami—coconut aminos are a gluten-free swap. If the stew gets too thick, just splash in more water. The bay leaves are subtle but don’t skip them (they add depth).
This stew tastes even better the next day. Stores in the fridge for 4-5 days, freezes for 3 months. Portion leftovers with rice for easy meal prep. Reheat gently to keep the pork tender (microwave works, but stovetop is best).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Magic: I toss in the pork shoulder, potatoes, and carrots, then let the tomato sauce do the work while I set the table.
- Rich and Hearty: The hominy soaks up the sauce, and the pork falls apart in your mouth—between us, I sneak seconds before serving.
- Feeds the Crew: I make a big batch on Sunday, and it tastes even better reheated for Monday’s lunch.
- Pocket Friendly: Pork shoulder and hominy stretch far, and honestly, it’s the cheapest meal that still feels like a feast.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Menudo
Here’s the method I use for a rich, flavorful stew that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.
Step 1: Brown the Pork and Aromatics
Heat the 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb pork shoulder cubes in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Cook until the pork develops a golden-brown crust on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the pork is browned, push it to one side of the pot and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell rich, not bitter.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the diced bell pepper to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes until it softens slightly. Pour in the 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper, stirring to coat the pork and vegetables evenly.
Next, add the 2 cups tomato sauce and 2 pieces bay leaves. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. The sauce should start to thicken slightly and take on a deep, savory aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Stew to Tenderness
Pour in the 3 cups water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes. This gives the pork time to become fork-tender.
After 45 minutes, add the peeled and cubed potatoes, peeled and sliced carrots, and 2 cups white hominy. Stir well and return the pot to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Adjust and Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
Discard the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the menudo into bowls while hot, ensuring each serving has a generous mix of pork, vegetables, and hominy. The stew should be hearty, with a rich tomato base and tender meat that falls apart easily.
Pro Tips For Making Pork Menudo Recipe Simpol
- Brown the Pork: Sear the pork shoulder in batches over medium-high heat until deeply browned—this builds the rich base flavor that tomato sauce alone can’t deliver. I learned this the hard way after skipping it once and ending up with a flat-tasting stew.
- Rinse the Hominy: Drain and rinse the white hominy thoroughly under cold water to remove the canned liquid, which can make the dish bitter. It takes 30 seconds and actually changes the outcome.
- Cut Evenly: Chop the potatoes and carrots into uniform, 1-inch pieces so they cook at the same rate as the pork. Steer clear of huge chunks that stay raw while the meat overcooks.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Once everything’s in the pot, keep the heat low enough that the sauce barely bubbles—this guarantees tender pork and prevents the potatoes from turning to mush. After burning a batch, I finally figured out patience is the thing that matters most here.
Health Benefits of pork menudo recipe simpol
Rich in Protein
This dish packs a protein punch with 1.5 lb pork shoulder providing about 45 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, keeping you full and energized throughout the day. I find this especially satisfying after a long day. 💪
Vitamin-Rich Vegetables
The carrots and potatoes bring vital nutrients to the table. Carrots are loaded with vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune function, while potatoes offer vitamin C and potassium. Together, they create a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
Fiber Boost
White hominy adds a significant fiber boost, with each ½ cup serving providing about 4 grams of fiber. Fiber aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It’s a great way to include more fiber in your diet without extra effort.
Low in Saturated Fat
Despite its rich flavor, this stew is relatively low in saturated fat. The pork shoulder, while flavorful, contains less saturated fat than you might expect. Pairing it with vegetables balances the meal, making it heart-healthy.
Antioxidant Properties
Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. The garlic and onions also contribute antioxidants, enhancing the stew’s health benefits. 🥕
Hydration Support
The broth in this stew contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, and the flavorful broth makes it easy to enjoy. Plus, it’s a comforting way to get those fluids in.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pork cut?
Pork shoulder works best, but pork butt or country-style ribs are good substitutes. Avoid lean cuts like tenderloin, as they won’t soften as well during simmering.
What if I don’t have hominy?
Substitute with chickpeas, white beans, or even diced potatoes. These will absorb the flavors well and maintain the stew’s hearty texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thin?
Simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to thicken naturally. If needed, mash a few potatoes to release their starch.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the pork first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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