Fried Pork in Binagoongan
Fried Pork in Binagoongan is a delicious Filipino dish that elevates the humble pork into a culinary delight. Combining savory flavors, crispy textures, and a touch of spicy goodness, this meal is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering. If you’re ready to embark on a flavor adventure, this recipe is just for you!
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to try your hand at making Fried Pork in Binagoongan. First and foremost, the combination of pork and shrimp paste offers a unique flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. The savory shrimp paste, along with fresh vegetables and spices, creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients.
Additionally, this recipe makes excellent use of pantry staples, making it an economical choice for families. It’s also versatile; you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference or experiment with different types of proteins as substitutes. Lastly, preparing this dish can be a wonderful family activity that allows everyone to join in and learn about Filipino cuisine.
How to Make Fried Pork in Binagoongan
Creating this dish might seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of guidance, it’s quite simple. Below, we’ll walk you through each step of the cooking process to ensure you get the best results.
Ingredients:
- 750g sliced pork
- 3 tbsp shrimp paste
- 2 large eggplant
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/8 cup vinegar
- 1 cup hot water
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized ginger
- Ground black pepper
- Cooking oil
- Red chilies
- Long green chilies
Directions:
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Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and slicing the eggplants and tomatoes. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger.
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Fry the Vegetables: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the sliced eggplants until they are brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the Pork: In the same pan, pan-fry the sliced pork until it’s nicely browned. This step adds a great texture and richness to the dish.
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Add Seasonings: Once the pork is browned, add fish sauce and ground black pepper, and stir-fry for about a minute. This will help infuse the flavors.
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Incorporate Aromatics: Add the ginger, garlic, and onion into the pan. Stir-fry until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
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Sauté Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they become soft. This should take another 2-3 minutes.
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Mix in Shrimp Paste: Add the shrimp paste, stirring the mixture until it is well absorbed—about 3 minutes.
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Add Liquids: Pour in the hot water and vinegar, letting it simmer without stirring for about 3 minutes. This helps develop the flavor.
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Cover and Cook: Cover the pan and cook until the pork is tender. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pork slices.
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Final Touches: Once the pork is tender, add in the red and long green chilies. Follow with the fried eggplant, allowing everything to simmer for a few minutes.
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Serve: Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and top with extra chilies for presentation.
Pro Tips for Success: Fried Pork in Binagoongan
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Choose the Right Pork Cut: Opt for pork belly or shoulder for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and meat ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother and faster.
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Don’t Skip the Marinade: For even more flavor, marinate the pork in fish sauce and ground black pepper for about 30 minutes before cooking.
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Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
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Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different veggies like bok choy or carrots for added nutrition and variety.
Flavor Variations: Fried Pork in Binagoongan
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Spicy Variant: Add more chilies or include a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick!
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Vegetarian Option: Replace pork with sliced mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version of this dish.
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Coconut Cream Twist: Add a splash of coconut cream towards the end of cooking for a creamy consistency.
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Pickled Vegetables: Serve alongside pickled vegetables for a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
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Citrus Zing: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished dish to add brightness and freshness.
Serving Suggestions: Fried Pork in Binagoongan
Fried Pork in Binagoongan pairs beautifully with steamed rice, soaking up all the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a refreshing salad for a well-rounded meal. Additionally, this dish makes excellent leftovers—perfect for next-day lunches or dinners!
Storage and Freezing Instructions: Fried Pork in Binagoongan
To store any leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrients | Amount |
|———–|————–|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
FAQ About Fried Pork in Binagoongan
What is binagoongan?
Binagoongan is a popular Filipino dish characterized by its use of shrimp paste (bagoong) as a key ingredient. This dish typically features pork that’s cooked until tender and then tossed with shrimp paste, vegetables, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful meal.
Can I make this dish without shrimp paste?
While shrimp paste is a traditional ingredient, you can substitute it with miso paste or a combination of soy sauce and fish sauce for a similar umami flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level in Fried Pork in Binagoongan largely depends on the amount and type of chilies you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds to minimize heat.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the refrigerator. You can make it a day before and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Fried Pork in Binagoongan?
This dish is typically served with steamed white or jasmine rice, which helps soak up the savory sauce. You could also accompany it with a side of grilled vegetables or a salad for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Fried Pork in Binagoongan is a fantastic dish that truly encapsulates the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine. With its hearty ingredients and comforting spices, it’s a meal that brings people together. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. So gather your ingredients and give this dish a try—you’re sure to love the results!
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Fried Pork in Binagoongan
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Fried Pork in Binagoongan is a delicious Filipino dish that elevates pork with savory flavors, crispy textures, and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
- 750g sliced pork
- 3 tbsp shrimp paste
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/8 cup vinegar
- 1 cup hot water
- 3 tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized ginger
- Ground black pepper
- Cooking oil
- Red chilies
- Long green chilies
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and slice the eggplants and tomatoes. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Fry the vegetables: Heat oil in a pan and fry the sliced eggplants until brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the pork: In the same pan, pan-fry the sliced pork until nicely browned.
- Add seasonings: Once browned, add fish sauce and ground black pepper, stir-frying for about a minute.
- Incorporate aromatics: Add ginger, garlic, and onion into the pan and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Sauté tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in shrimp paste: Add shrimp paste and stir until well absorbed, about 3 minutes.
- Add liquids: Pour in the hot water and vinegar, letting it simmer without stirring for about 3 minutes.
- Cover and cook: Cover the pan and cook until the pork is tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Final touches: Once tender, add red and long green chilies and fried eggplant, allowing to simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with extra chilies for presentation.
Notes
Choose pork belly or shoulder for the best texture. Pre-chop ingredients for smoother cooking. Adjust spice levels as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino