Pork Estofado
Pork Estofado is one of Filipinos classic favorite dish that you can see in every gathering or family event. Pork Estofado is a stewed pork with carrots and bananas in a burst of flavor of sweet- tangy sauce. There are several variations on this recipe some cook this with pineapple juice while others add potatoes to their Estofado.
Estofado is from the Spanish word "estofar" which means to braise in a covered pan, which is how this dish is cooked. This dish is fairly easy to prepare. You only need to throw the ingredients in the pan and let everything cook slowly together until the meat is tender.
This dish is a sweet and savoury dish best partnered with some hot steaming rice. With the addition of the saba banana to the dish, the Pork Estofado instantly hypes up, making it your next favourite ulam. This dish is one of my go-to foods whenever I feel to eat something sweet, fruity sweet instead of sugary sweet.
Pork estofado is one among the classic Pinoy dishes you should definitely learn to make this dish is almost similar to Pork Humba ( Humbang Bisaya). It is quick and easy, and very exciting for the tummy! Your pork estofado can be ready in around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pork - the recipe uses pork belly which is always quite hard to resist but you can use a different pork cut meats you prefer. Be sure to use meat with some or lots of fats and collagens as leaner cuts tend to get tough and dry when stewed.
- Banana - Using plantains ( saging na saba )this type of banana is usually used in savoury dishes just sliced the banana diagonally to be 1 inch thick inside.
- Carrots - Adds flavor and it bears a nice contrast to the dish.
- Brown Sugar - Using brown sugar instead of white,it has a slightly less concentrated sweetness.
- Vinegar - Brightens the flavor, adds acidity to the dish.
- Soy sauce - Adds saltiness and gives umami flavor.
- Garlic & Onion - These are the best aromatics that gives flavor to the dish.
- Salt & Pepper - Season to taste.
Cooking Tips to Consider
- Slice the meat into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Sear them using high heat until sizzling brown on both sides.
- If you want a healthier meat option, you can choose leaner cuts of meat.
- If you want to cut down the cooking time, you can use pressure cooker to make the pork become tender faster.
- Fry the bananas until each side turn lightly brown before adding it to the stew to keep it from falling apart.
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Pork Estofado is a stewed pork with carrots and bananas in a burst of flavor of sweet- tangy sauce.
- 1 pound pork belly (cut into 2- inch thick)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 3/4 cups soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 carrot (sliced diagonally)
- 5 plantain (saba) (sliced diagonally)
- 2 cups water
- salt and pepper (to taste)
In a hot pan, add pork. Spread the pork slices until the oil start to come out.
Flip and continue searing until pork turns golden brown. Remove and transfer them into a plate and set aside.
Using the same pan, heat oil. Add bananas and fry, turning once or twice, until lightly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
Using the same pan, add oil. Saute onion and garlic until fragrant. Return the pork back to the pan and saute.
Add vinegar and continue to cook, without stirring, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add soy sauce, bay leaves and water. Cover the pan and let it simmer until meat becomes fork-tender. Add more water as needed.
Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Cover and continue simmer.
Season with salt and pepper to taste then add carrots. Cover and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the carrots is tender.
When the sauce reduce, add the fried bananas. Stir gently to coat with the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy with steamed rice!
