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November 5, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and savory Filipino dish, look no further than pork hamonado. This traditional dish is made with tender pork slices marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, then slowly cooked until the meat is tender and flavorful.
Pork hamonado is a popular main dish in the Philippines, often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The dish gets its name from the Spanish word “jamón,” which means ham. The sweet and sticky marinade gives the pork a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.
To make pork hamonado, you’ll need a few key ingredients such as pork belly or shoulder, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and bay leaves. The pork is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and bay leaves. This marinade helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the sweet and tangy flavors.
Once the pork is marinated, it is then slowly cooked until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. The marinade is reduced to create a sticky glaze that coats the pork, giving it its signature sweet and savory taste.
Pork hamonado is best served with steamed rice and garnished with sliced pineapples and green onions. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a truly satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you’re hosting a Filipino-themed dinner or simply want to try something new, pork hamonado is a must-try dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Pork
Before you start cooking the pork hamonado, it is essential to prepare the meat properly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choosing the Right Cut
For pork hamonado, it is best to use boneless pork shoulder or pork belly. These cuts are tender and have the right amount of fat to give the dish a rich and flavorful taste. Make sure to buy fresh pork from a reliable source.
2. Cleaning and Trimming
Once you have the pork cut of your choice, rinse it under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the meat, as required.
3. Marinating the Meat
Prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and bay leaves in a bowl. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Place the pork in a large container or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the meat is well-coated. Seal the container or bag and marinate the pork in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor.
4. Removing the Pork from the Marinade
Once the pork has marinated overnight, take it out of the refrigerator and drain off the excess marinade. Set aside the marinade for later use. Allow the pork to come to room temperature before cooking.
5. Tenderizing the Meat (Optional)
If you prefer a more tender pork hamonado, you can tenderize the meat before cooking. To do this, use a meat tenderizer or a fork to poke the surface of the pork several times. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
Now that you have prepared the pork, you are ready to proceed with the cooking process.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder or pork belly | 1 kg |
| Soy sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Pineapple juice | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, minced |
| Bay leaves | 3 pieces |
Marinating the Pork
To make the perfect pork hamonado, it’s important to marinate the meat to infuse it with flavors and make it tender. Here’s how to marinate the pork:
Ingredients:
- 1 kilogram pork kasim or pork shoulder, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, crushed black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 2: Add the sliced pork to the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results. This will allow the pork to absorb the flavors and become more tender.
Step 3: Stir the marinated pork occasionally to ensure that each piece is evenly marinated.
After marinating the pork, you’re ready to proceed with the next steps in cooking your delicious pork hamonado.
Cooking Techniques
When it comes to cooking pork hamonado, there are several techniques you can use to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are some of the key techniques to keep in mind:
Marinating
Marinating the pork is an essential step in preparing hamonado. To do this, mix together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a variety of spices such as garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Place the pork in the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the marinade.
Braising
Once the pork has marinated, it’s time to braise it. Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the liquid for later. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, then pour in the reserved marinade and add some water or broth. Cover the pan and simmer the pork over low heat for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
Glazing
After the pork has finished braising, it’s time to glaze it to add a sweet and shiny finish. To make the glaze, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Cook the glaze over medium heat until it thickens and becomes syrupy in consistency. Brush the glaze over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly. Place the pork under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the glaze caramelizes and becomes sticky.
Note: It’s important to baste the pork with the glaze every 10 minutes or so while it’s under the broiler to ensure a beautiful and flavorful finish.
Serving
Once the pork hamonado is fully cooked and glazed, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and keep it moist. Serve the sliced pork hamonado with steamed rice and enjoy!
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Pork (shoulder or butt) | – Marinate the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. |
| – Soy sauce | – Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. |
| – Pineapple juice | – Heat some vegetable oil in a large pan and sear the pork on all sides. |
| – Brown sugar | – Pour in the reserved marinade and add water or broth. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. |
| – Garlic | – Combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, and soy sauce in a saucepan. Cook until thickened. |
| – Ginger | – Brush the glaze over the pork and broil for a few minutes until caramelized. |
| – Black pepper | – Let the pork rest before slicing and serving with steamed rice. |
Serving Suggestions
Once the pork hamonado is cooked to perfection, it can be served in various ways. Here are a few suggestions to enhance the dining experience:
1. Rice and Vegetables
One classic way to serve pork hamonado is with a side of steamed white rice and a medley of vegetables. The rice provides a neutral base that balances the rich flavors of the hamonado, while the vegetables add freshness and texture to the dish. Consider serving it with steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious meal.
2. Pineapple Salsa
To add a tropical twist to your pork hamonado, serve it with a delicious pineapple salsa. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory flavors of the hamonado, creating a delightful balance of tastes. You can make a pineapple salsa by combining diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve it alongside the pork hamonado for a burst of flavor.
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Rice and Vegetables | Serve with steamed white rice and a medley of vegetables for a balanced meal. |
| Pineapple Salsa | Enhance the flavors with a tropical pineapple salsa made with diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. |
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Pork Hamonado
When it comes to cooking pork hamonado, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect dish. Here are some recommendations to make your pork hamonado turn out delicious and flavorful:
1. Choose the right cut of pork: Opt for a cut of pork that has a good amount of fat marbling, such as pork shoulder or pork belly. This will help keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process.
2. Marinate the pork overnight: To infuse the meat with flavor, marinate it overnight in a mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and spices. This will not only add taste but also tenderize the meat.
3. Baste the meat regularly: While cooking, baste the pork with the marinade to enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist. This will also help create a sticky glaze on the outside of the pork.
4. Slow-cook the pork: Pork hamonado is traditionally slow-cooked to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. You can use a slow cooker or cook it in the oven at a low temperature for several hours.
5. Add pineapple slices: To complement the flavors of the marinade, add pineapple slices to the pork during the cooking process. The natural sweetness of the pineapple will pair well with the savory flavors of the pork.
6. Adjust the sweetness: Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the sweetness accordingly. If it’s too sweet, you can balance it out with a little vinegar or soy sauce. If it’s not sweet enough, you can add more brown sugar or pineapple juice.
7. Let the pork rest before serving: After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve with steamed rice: Pork hamonado is delicious when served with steamed rice. The combination of the flavorful pork and the fluffy rice is a match made in heaven.
By following these tips and tricks, you can confidently cook a delicious and flavorful pork hamonado that will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
FAQ
What is pork hamonado?
Pork hamonado is a Filipino dish made with marinated pork cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce.
How long does it take to cook pork hamonado?
The cooking time for pork hamonado can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork. Generally, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook.
What are the ingredients for pork hamonado?
The ingredients for pork hamonado include pork shoulder or tenderloin, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and bay leaves.
Can I use a different cut of pork for pork hamonado?
Yes, you can use a different cut of pork for pork hamonado. Pork shoulder and tenderloin are commonly used, but you can also use pork belly or even boneless pork chops.
Can I marinate the pork overnight?
Yes, marinating the pork overnight is recommended for a more flavorful dish. The longer the pork marinates, the better the flavors will be.
What is pork hamonado?
Pork hamonado is a Filipino dish made from pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then simmered until tender.