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Pork Asado Recipe

This sweet, savory, and flavorful Filipino-inspired dish features tender pork simmered in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, citrus, garlic, and spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork belly cut into chunks
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or calamansi juice
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water for slurry

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting

Method
 

Step 1: Marinate the Pork
  1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper. Add the pork pieces and mix well. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, refrigerate and marinate for up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
  1. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened. Stir in the remaining garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Pork
  1. Add the marinated pork along with the marinade. Cook for several minutes until the meat develops light browning on the outside. This step adds depth and richness to the final dish.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
  1. Pour in water and add bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45–60 minutes or until the pork becomes tender.
Step 5: Add Sweetness and Thicken
  1. Stir in brown sugar and oyster sauce. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the pot. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the pork beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Remove the bay leaves and transfer the Pork Asado to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
    Pork Asado Recipe 6

Video

Notes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is cooking the pork at high heat for the entire process. This can make the meat tough instead of tender. Gentle simmering is key to achieving the best texture.
Another issue is adding too much sugar too early. Sugar can burn and affect the flavor of the sauce. It is best added during the later stages of cooking.
Finally, avoid skipping the marination step. Even a short marinating period significantly improves the overall taste and tenderness of the dish.