Pork Hamonado

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This Pork Hamonado is a Filipino favorite that brings together the sweetness of pineapple and the savory richness of tender pork. The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar creates a deeply flavorful sauce that coats the pork beautifully, while the pineapple chunks add a burst of sweetness.

Perfect for family dinners or any occasion where you want to impress, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Its rich flavors and tender texture will surely make it a standout on your table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a hearty meal, this Pork Hamonado will delight your taste buds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 kg pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into cubes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water

1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp peppercorns
Salt to taste
1/2 cup pineapple chunks (optional)

1 tbsp oil for frying

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the pork, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

In a pan over medium heat, heat oil and fry the pork in batches until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and water. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Return the browned pork to the pan and stir. Add the pineapple chunks, if using.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Pork Hamonado: A Sweet and Savory Filipino Classic

Pork Hamonado is a beloved Filipino dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. Traditionally served during special occasions and family gatherings, this dish is a comforting and satisfying choice that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply preparing a delicious family meal, Pork Hamonado is sure to be a hit!

What is Pork Hamonado?

The name Hamonado comes from the word “ham,” which refers to the sweet and savory glaze traditionally found in this dish. While the Filipino version uses pork, the flavor profile is reminiscent of glazed ham, making it a unique and flavorful meal. The dish is made with tender cuts of pork, such as pork belly or shoulder, that are marinated and then simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the pork.

How to Make Pork Hamonado

Making Pork Hamonado involves marinating the pork to infuse it with flavor, then frying the pieces until they develop a golden-brown crust. Afterward, the pork is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar until it becomes tender and juicy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this Filipino classic:

Marinate the Pork: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt in a bowl. Add the pork pieces and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Brown the Pork: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the pork pieces in batches until golden brown. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the pork.
Simmer in Sauce: In the same pan, add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and water, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Return the browned pork to the pan, add the pineapple chunks (if using), and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Once the pork is tender and the sauce is thick, it’s ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Pork Hamonado is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which soaks up the rich sauce and pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory pork. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. The dish’s combination of flavors makes it an excellent choice for holidays, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal.

Variations of Pork Hamonado

While the basic version of Pork Hamonado is already flavorful, you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few ways to elevate the dish:

Add Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, or green peas can be added for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture and an extra layer of flavor, you can stir in a bit of coconut milk while simmering the pork.

Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar or pineapple juice to adjust the level of sweetness.

The Key Ingredients for Pork Hamonado

The beauty of Pork Hamonado lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the essential components:

Pork: The dish typically uses pork belly or pork shoulder, known for their tender texture and rich flavor. Pork belly, in particular, has a nice balance of fat and meat, which makes it ideal for slow braising.

Pineapple Juice and Pineapple Chunks: Pineapple is the key ingredient that adds a natural sweetness and tangy flavor to the dish. The pineapple juice infuses the pork, while the chunks provide a fruity and juicy bite.
Soy Sauce and Vinegar: The combination of soy sauce and vinegar adds depth to the sauce, creating the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient brings sweetness to the dish and helps create the signature glaze that coats the pork.

Garlic, Onion, and Bay Leaves: These aromatics are used to flavor the pork and create a fragrant base for the sauce.
Peppercorns and Salt: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Prepare Pork Hamonado

Making Pork Hamonado is easy and straightforward, but the key to a perfect dish lies in properly braising the pork. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this Filipino classic:

Marinate the Pork: Begin by marinating the pork with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Brown the Pork: Heat oil in a large pan and fry the marinated pork until golden brown. This step adds a crispy, caramelized layer to the pork, enhancing its flavor.
Simmer in Sauce: After browning the pork, add pineapple juice, brown sugar, and water to the pan. Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar, then return the pork to the pan. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Cook Until Tender: Let the pork simmer for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes tender and the sauce thickens. Add pineapple chunks towards the end of cooking to incorporate them into the dish.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed, to balance the flavors to your liking.
Serve: Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened to a glaze, serve the dish with freshly steamed white rice. The sauce will complement the rice perfectly, making every bite delicious.

Tips for Making the Best Pork Hamonado

Marinate the Pork: Allow the pork to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but if you have more time, letting it sit overnight will result in more flavorful pork.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar to make the dish sweeter or more savory.
Add Vegetables: For a more balanced dish, you can add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and texture.

Use Fresh Pineapple: If you want to elevate the dish, use fresh pineapple chunks for added sweetness and a fresher taste. You can even grill the pineapple before adding it to the dish for a smoky flavor.
Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmer the dish long enough to allow the sauce to thicken and create a rich, glossy glaze. This will help the flavors concentrate and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Why You’ll Love Pork Hamonado

Pork Hamonado is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tender flavors. The juicy pork and caramelized glaze bring out the best of both worlds, making it an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive celebration or a cozy dinner at home, this Filipino classic will surely impress everyone at the table.

This dish is also highly customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. The versatility and balance of flavors make it an easy yet elegant meal that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Pork Hamonado is sure to become a family favorite in your home, offering comfort and deliciousness in every bite. So why not give this flavorful Filipino dish a try and bring a taste of the Philippines to your kitchen today?

Conclusion

Pork Hamonado is a delicious Filipino dish that combines tender pork with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, savory glaze and juicy pork.

Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a long-time fan, Pork Hamonado offers a unique and flavorful meal that’s comforting and satisfying. With its versatility, you can adjust the sweetness and add vegetables to make it your own. This dish is a great addition to any recipe collection and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy the rich flavors of Pork Hamonado in your next meal!