7 Must-Try Filipino Recipes

pork belly

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs reduce fat while maintaining flavor, pork shoulder is more affordable.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium options are better for health, tamari is gluten-free.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a unique flavor, white vinegar is often cheaper.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers natural sweetness, brown sugar is often less expensive.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add pork belly and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Pour in soy sauce and vinegar, then add bay leaves and peppercorns.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.

Simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pork is tender.

Remove the lid and add sugar, stirring to combine.

Increase heat to medium and cook uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce sauce.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with chopped green onions and chili peppers before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary