Origin and Popularity:
Pork Hamonado is a traditional Filipino dish that is popular across the Philippines. It is a flavorful and tender pork dish that is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The dish has Spanish influences, as evidenced by the use of ingredients such as soy sauce and pineapple juice, which were introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
Introduction:
Pork Hamonado is a sweet and savory pork dish that is made with thinly sliced pork marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, typically made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and aromatics. The pork is then simmered until tender, resulting in a flavorful and succulent dish that pairs well with steamed rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork belly or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Pineapple slices
- Red and green bell peppers, sliced
- Spring onions, chopped
- Fried garlic
Tips:
- Use thinly sliced pork for quicker cooking and better absorption of the marinade.
- Marinate the pork for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator, for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dish according to your preference by adding more or less brown sugar.
- For a more flavorful dish, sear the marinated pork in a hot pan before simmering.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, sliced onion, bay leaf, and whole peppercorns. Mix well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade, making sure the pork is fully submerged. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Remove the pork slices from the marinade and drain off excess liquid.
- Sear the pork slices in the hot pan until lightly browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour the marinade into the pan with the seared pork slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and garnish with pineapple slices, bell peppers, chopped spring onions, and fried garlic if desired.
Description:
Pork Hamonado is a classic Filipino dish known for its tender and flavorful pork slices marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar gives the dish its distinctive sweet-savory flavor profile, while the aromatics add depth and complexity to the dish. Pork Hamonado is often served during festive occasions and celebrations, making it a beloved dish in Filipino cuisine.
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Pork Hamonado is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of Filipino cuisine. With its tender pork slices and sweet-savory sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Serve Pork Hamonado with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.