Filipino cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, where pork plays a starring role in many dishes.
Known for its rich, savory, and often tangy taste profiles, Filipino pork dishes are a true delight for the palate.
The versatility of pork shoulder, in particular, is celebrated in numerous recipes, ranging from hearty stews to crisp, fried delicacies.
In this article, we will share some mouth-watering Filipino pork shoulder recipes for you to try at home, each offering a unique glimpse into the culinary heart of the Philippines.
These dishes not only tantalize the taste buds but also embody the country’s rich cultural heritage and the communal spirit of Filipino dining.
Let’s get cooking!
Fried And Crispy Recipes
Experience the irresistible crunch and rich flavors of pork with these Fried and Crispy Recipes, where pork shoulder is transformed into golden, delectable bites.
Lechon Kawali is a quintessential Filipino dish that epitomizes the love for crispy, succulent pork.
This dish often served on special occasions, is celebrated for its contrast of textures – a crispy, golden exterior giving way to tender, flavorful meat.
The process of preparing Lechon Kawali usually involves a slow simmering of pork belly, but you can use pork shoulder instead, allowing the flavors of garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns to infuse the meat.
The pork is then deep-fried to achieve its signature crunch. The result is an indulgent feast for the senses, with each bite offering a burst of rich, porky goodness complemented by the crunch of the skin.
Lechon Kawali is often paired with a tangy dipping sauce, adding a layer of acidic brightness that cuts through the richness of the meat.
A simple yet delicious dish, these bites involve cubing pork shoulder into small pieces, marinating them in a mix of vinegar, garlic, and pepper, and then frying them until golden and crispy.
The result is a snackable treat with a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, perfect for dipping in a sweet chili sauce or a vinegar-based dip.
This dish highlights the versatility of pork shoulder, transforming it into a delightful finger food that’s great for sharing.
Stews, Soups, And Braises
Enjoy comforting, homemade stews, soups, and braises, where pork shoulder is slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing a medley of savory, rich, and sometimes creamy flavors.
Adobo sa Gata, or Pork Adobo in Coconut Milk, is a delightful twist on the classic Filipino adobo.
This version stands out with the creamy richness of coconut milk, melding harmoniously with the traditional adobo flavors of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
The pork shoulder, known for its marbled fat, absorbs these flavors while simmering, resulting in a dish that is both tender and intensely savory.
The addition of coconut milk transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety concoction, adding a subtle sweetness and complexity to the dish.
Adobo sa Gata is a beautiful representation of the Filipino knack for combining a variety of flavors, creating a dish that is both comforting and exotic.
The dish’s creamy sauce is often spooned over steaming rice, making each mouthful a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
It’s a testament to the Filipino culinary tradition’s ability to innovate while staying true to its roots.
Pork Menudo is a hearty and colorful Filipino stew that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in appearance.
This dish combines chunks of pork shoulder with liver, potatoes, and carrots (though we also enjoy the addition of bell peppers), all simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce.
The pork shoulder lends a robust flavor and tenderness to the stew, which is further enriched by the liver.
The vegetables add a sweetness and texture contrast, making the dish a harmonious blend of flavors and ingredients.
Menudo’s origins can be traced back to Spanish influences, but over the years, it has evolved into a distinctly Filipino dish, often served at gatherings and special occasions.
The stew’s rich sauce is ideal for spooning over rice, making it a satisfying meal. Pork Menudo is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary journey through the Philippines’ history and its adaptation of foreign influences into its unique flavor profile.
Pork Igado is a unique and traditional Filipino dish that combines pork shoulder with liver, creating a rich and hearty flavor profile.
Influenced by Spanish cuisine, this dish is cooked in a tangy and savory sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and bay leaves.
The addition of green peas and bell peppers adds color and a slight sweetness to the dish, balancing the richness of the pork and liver.
Pork Igado is a testament to the Filipino knack for combining a variety of textures and flavors, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and complex.
It’s a celebration of heritage and the ability to create harmony in diversity, both in culture and in cuisine.
Sinigang na Baboy is a beloved Filipino soup known for its distinct sour flavor, primarily derived from tamarind.
This dish, often enjoyed during cooler days, features pork shoulder simmered in a tangy broth along with a medley of vegetables like tomatoes, radishes, and water spinach.
The pork shoulder, with its layers of meat and fat, becomes meltingly tender in the soup, absorbing the sour and savory flavors of the broth.
The unique taste of Sinigang na Baboy comes from the balance of sourness, a slight sweetness from the vegetables, and the richness of the pork.
Grilled And Smoky
Embrace the smoky aromas and charred flavors of Grilled and Smoky dishes, where marinated pork shoulder meets the grill to create tantalizing, mouth-watering delights.
Inihaw na Baboy, or Filipino Grilled Pork, is a popular dish known for its smoky and slightly sweet flavor profile.
It’s usually prepared with pork belly, but shoulder provides a suitable alternative.
The pork shoulder is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, and banana ketchup, infusing it with a delightful balance of flavors.
After marinating, the meat is grilled to perfection, creating a charred exterior that encases the tender and juicy interior.
The smokiness from the grill pairs exquisitely with the tangy and sweet marinade, making Inihaw na Baboy a favorite at Filipino barbecues and gatherings.
This dish is not just about the taste but also the experience of outdoor cooking and enjoying food with friends and family.
Bold And Flavorful
Dive into the Bold and Flavorful realm of Filipino cuisine with these recipes, highlighting the robust and unique tastes of ingredients like fermented shrimp paste and vinegar paired with juicy pork shoulder.
Pork Binagoongan is an intensely flavorful Filipino dish that showcases the unique taste of ‘bagoong,’ or fermented shrimp paste.
This dish is a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors.
The pork shoulder, which replaces pork belly, is known for its juiciness and flavor; it is sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes before being simmered in the robust bagoong.
The addition of chili peppers adds a subtle heat that complements the rich, umami flavor of the shrimp paste.
The result is a deeply savory and aromatic dish, often enjoyed with a side of steamed rice to balance its strong flavors.
Pork Binagoongan is not just a meal; it’s a bold flavor adventure, reflecting the Filipinos’ love for robust and complex tastes.
Pork Kilawin, also known as Kilawing Baboy, is a Filipino dish that is somewhat similar to ceviche.
It typically uses boiled pork shoulder, which is then mixed with raw onions, ginger, chili, and vinegar.
The vinegar “cooks” the raw ingredients, imparting a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the pork.
This dish is known for its bold flavors, with the sharpness of the vinegar and the heat from the chili peppers creating a refreshing yet hearty dish.
Pork Kilawin is often served as an appetizer or a main dish and is a celebration of the Filipino palate’s love for bold and vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
From the robust taste of Pork Binagoongan to the tangy zest of Pork Kilawin, each of these Filipino pork shoulder recipes offers a unique taste experience.
Through these recipes, anyone can experience the warmth, creativity, and spirit of the Philippines at home, making every meal a memorable celebration of taste and tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Filipino term for pork shoulder?
The Filipino term for pork shoulder is “kasim.”
Does pork shoulder get tough?
Pork shoulder can become tough if overcooked or cooked at too high a temperature, but the right cooking method will help to prevent this.
Which is the best cooking method for a pork shoulder?
The best cooking method for pork shoulder is slow cooking, such as braising or slow roasting, to ensure it becomes tender and flavorful.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
