Filipino Menudo
Filipino Menudo
Hearty Pork and Liver Stew in Rich Tomato Sauce
About Filipino Menudo
Filipino Menudo is a tomato-based pork stew that holds a special place in everyday Filipino cooking. Unlike the Mexican version (which uses tripe in a chili broth), Filipino Menudo features cubed pork and liver in a sweet tomato sauce with potatoes, carrots, and chickpeas. It is comfort food at its finest — the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Every Filipino household has their own version. Some add hotdog slices for the kids, others include bell peppers for color. The use of raisins adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory tomato sauce. Menudo is a weeknight staple that stretches well — it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder or kasim, cubed
- 1/4 lb pork liver, cubed
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- 1
Brown the Pork
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season pork cubes with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Saute Aromatics
In the same pot, saute garlic until fragrant, then add onions and cook until translucent. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- 3
Add Tomato Sauce
Pour in tomato sauce, soy sauce, and water. Stir well to combine. Add bay leaf and bring to a boil.
- 4
Simmer the Pork
Return browned pork to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until pork is tender.
- 5
Add Vegetables
Add potatoes, carrots, and chickpeas. Cook for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add liver cubes and raisins in the last 3-4 minutes — do not overcook the liver.
- 6
Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Tips & Variations
Skip the Liver
If you or your family are not fans of liver, you can omit it entirely. The dish still tastes wonderful without it.
Add Hotdog
Many Filipino families add sliced hotdogs to their menudo, especially when cooking for kids. Add them with the vegetables.
Overnight is Better
Like many Filipino stews, menudo tastes better the next day. Reheat gently and the flavors deepen beautifully.