Ground Pork Menudo: A Quick and Easy Filipino Comfort Food Recipe

Pork Menudo is a comforting and hearty Filipino stew.
This recipe, made with ground pork, is a delicious dish for
lunch or dinner. It’s fantastic when served over rice!

Growing up, I was always a little confused about menudo. Was it:

1. A Mexican food?
2. A Filipino food?
3. One of the coolest boy bands ever?

The answer, of course, is yes to all three! 🙂

This is my Filipino-American version of authentic Filipino menudo. I wanted
to create a comforting dish that still feels rich and satisfying
like the traditional version, but is faster and easier to make for those of
us with less time to cook.

I hope you love this recipe and find it to be the ultimate comfort food!

What is Filipino Menudo?

In the Philippines, menudo is a classic comfort stew.
Traditionally, it’s made with chopped pork or beef tripe. My Filipino
Menudo recipe uses ground pork. It’s a simplified and quicker take
on authentic Filipino menudo.

The goal was to create a warm, comforting dish that remains rich
and flavorful like the original, but is easier to prepare for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Pork Menudo Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes: This meal is quick to prepare, making
  it perfect for dinner during busy weeknights.
• Flavor-packed: Loaded with aromatics, vegetables, and
  traditional Asian ingredients, this dish is incredibly tasty!
• Budget-friendly: Made with ground pork, this recipe can feed
  up to six people without breaking the bank.
• Comforting and satisfying: This classic Filipino
  stew is comfort food at its best. And it’s easy to
  make!

Key Ingredients for Ground Pork Menudo

• Ground Pork: This recipe uses ground pork because
  it cooks quickly while absorbing all the rich, umami flavor from the sauce
  and cooked vegetables. Traditionally, chopped pork shoulder or pork butt is
  used. If you use those cuts, add extra cooking time until the pork is
  tender.
• Carrots, Potato, Bell Pepper: These are the main vegetables.
  Chop them to the same size to ensure even cooking.
• Peas: I use frozen peas for convenience, but you can use
  fresh peas. Add them at the end since they cook quickly.
• Fish Sauce: This provides depth of flavor and a rich umami
  taste to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: This adds acidity and thickens the
  dish. You can use fresh tomatoes, but tomato sauce helps
  achieve a thicker consistency.
• Garlic and Onions: These aromatics provide flavor throughout
  the dish.

How to Make Ground Pork Menudo: Step-by-Step Instructions

Exact measurements and detailed instructions are available in the recipe card
below. The following tips will guide you through the process.

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onions; sauté
   until soft and fragrant, around 2 minutes.
2. Add ground pork, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all
   sides, about 5 minutes.

3. Add carrots, potato, and bell pepper. Stir and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Pour in fish sauce, tomato sauce, and water. Stir, cover the skillet, and
   lower the heat to medium.
5. Cook, covered, for 7-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly
   and the vegetables are soft.

6. Remove the lid, add peas, stir, and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve with
   rice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Pork Menudo

What meat is traditionally used in Filipino menudo?

Authentic Filipino recipes typically use chunks of pork, such
as pork shoulder or pork butt. Some recipes also include beef
tripe or chicken livers.

How does Mexican menudo differ from Filipino menudo?

Mexican menudo is usually made with cow’s stomach, cooked in a red chili
pepper broth, and sometimes includes pig’s feet or knuckles. The Filipino
version is usually not spicy, made from a tomato/fish sauce broth, and made
of pork.

Can I add raisins to pork menudo?

Some recipes for Pork Menudo call for raisins
for added flavor. I prefer to leave them out as they can add too much
sweetness and a chewy texture. But if you like raisins, feel
free to add them.

How should I store leftovers?

Let the menudo cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the
refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What to Serve with Ground Pork Menudo

Ground pork menudo is traditionally served over rice – plain white rice or
Instant Pot Garlic Rice.

If you’re serving a Filipino feast, consider adding
Lumpia, Pandesal (Filipino rolls), and
Pancit Bihon Noodles.

For dessert, Ube White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a great choice.
You can also make a classic snack like Taisan, a Filipino loaf
cake.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment for Menudo

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe:

Large skillet: I use a large 12″ cast iron skillet. You can
also use a large saucepan with high sides or Dutch oven. A wok can also be
used, but be mindful of the cooking times since the ingredients will cook
faster.

Wine Pairings for Filipino Menudo

This ground pork menudo can be enjoyed with either white or red wine, like many
Filipino dishes.

For white wine, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or
unoaked Chardonnay.

If you prefer red wine, this menudo pairs well with a vibrant
Rioja.

More Delicious Filipino Recipes

• Filipino
  Beef Caldereta
• Filipino
  Leche Flan
• Filipino
  Pancit Bihon
• Instant
  Pot Chicken Adobo

For more Filipino recipes, check out my cookbook:

Modern Filipino Cooking, a 55-page e-Book with authentic
Filipino recipes adapted for today’s modern kitchen!

Did you make this recipe? Leave a 5-Star rating, and if you
really loved it, please leave a comment. Thank you!