Ah! You’re talking about Pork Hamonado, the sweet Filipino-style pork dish. Here’s a thorough breakdown, including recipe details:
What is Pork Hamonado?
Pork Hamonado is a Filipino dish featuring pork cooked in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce, often made with pineapple juice or chunks, soy sauce, and sugar. It’s tender, flavorful, and slightly sticky—perfect over steamed rice.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- Pork shoulder or pork belly – 1 kg, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Pineapple juice – 1 cup (fresh or canned)
- Pineapple chunks – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – 3–4 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Soy sauce – ¼ cup
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Tomato ketchup – 2–3 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Cooking oil – 2 tablespoons
- Water – 1 cup
Optional:
- Carrots or bell peppers, cut into cubes, for added color
- Raisins for a sweeter version
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork (optional but recommended):
- Mix pork with soy sauce and a little garlic. Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent.
- Brown the Pork:
- Add pork cubes and sear until slightly browned on all sides.
- Add Sweeteners & Sauce:
- Stir in brown sugar and tomato ketchup. Let it caramelize slightly for richer flavor.
- Add Pineapple & Simmer:
- Pour in pineapple juice and add pineapple chunks.
- Add water if needed to cover the pork partially.
- Simmer on low heat for 40–50 minutes, or until pork is tender.
- Season & Thicken:
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce reduce slightly until it’s glossy and thick.
- Optional Veggies:
- Add carrots, bell peppers, or raisins in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and color.
- Serve:
- Best served hot with steamed white rice.
Pork Hamonado is a comfort food classic in the Philippines, perfect for family meals or celebrations.
If you want, I can also give you a quick, 30-minute version that’s just as tasty for busy days. Do you want me to do that?
