As a lover of Filipino cuisine, pork afritada has always been one of my favorite dishes. That rich, tomatoey sauce coating tender pieces of pork is just so satisfying. However, I know that some people don’t do well with tomatoes or simply want to change up their afritada game.
The good news is, you can still make insanely delicious pork afritada without using any tomato sauce! It just takes a few simple ingredient swaps and adjustments to the cooking method.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make tomato-less pork afritada that’s just as comforting and flavorful as the original version. Keep reading to learn the easy recipe!
Overview of Pork Afritada
First, let’s do a quick rundown of what traditional pork afritada consists of. Afritada originates from the Spanish dish known as fritada. It’s made with pork simmered in a tomato sauce along with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and seasonings.
The pork is first browned to add deeper, toasted flavors. Tomato sauce or paste is then added to the pot and cooked down into a thick, glossy sauce that coats each piece of pork. Diced potatoes and carrots are simmered until tender before mixing in julienned bell peppers at the end.
It’s a hearty, savory stew that’s perfect to enjoy on chilly nights with a side of warm rice.
How to Make It Without Tomatoes
Recreating the flavors of afritada without using any tomato products may sound tricky. But it’s actually quite simple with just a few tweaks:
- Use bone-in pork for extra flavor
- Sauté aromatics well to build a flavor base
- Deglaze with wine or stock for acidity
- Thicken with roux instead of reducing tomato sauce
- Add diced potatoes and carrots
- Season with soy sauce for umami depth
Follow the steps below and you’ll have a delicious tomato-free pork afritada everyone will love!
Ingredients Needed
- 1.5 lbs bone-in pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup beef or chicken stock
- 1⁄4 cup cooking wine
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Soy sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Pork
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the pork cubes on all sides until well browned, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside on a plate when done.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add a bit more oil to the same pot and sauté the onions until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bay leaves and cook 1 minute more.
Step 3: Deglaze and Make a Roux
Pour in the cooking wine, stock, and seared pork with any accumulated juices. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a golden roux. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk the roux into the pork mixture bit by bit until it reaches your desired thickness. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the Vegetables
Add the potatoes and carrots. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 12-15 minutes until the veggies are fork-tender.
Step 6: Finish and Season
Stir in the bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes just until slightly softened but still crisp.
Season to taste with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving. Enjoy this tasty tomato-free take on a classic!
More Tips for Delicious Tomato-Less Afritada
Here are some additional tips to ensure your tomato-free afritada turns out full of flavor:
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Use bone-in pork shoulder or leg for richer flavor. Trim excess fat before cooking.
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Cook the onions, garlic, and aromatics well to build a flavor base since you are omitting the tomato sauce.
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For extra depth, you can also add a teaspoon of paprika when sautéing the aromatics.
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If avoiding wine, use all stock or replace with pineapple juice.
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For a thicker sauce, make the roux with 1⁄4 cup butter and 1⁄4 cup flour.
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Add a few splashes of fish sauce instead of only soy sauce for a boost of umami flavor.
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Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for brightness.
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Serve with steamed white rice to soak up the tasty sauce! Enjoy as leftovers too.
Common Questions
If you’re new to Filipino afritada, you probably have some questions about making it without tomatoes. Here are some common queries:
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
A combination of broth, wine, roux for thickness, and soy sauce for flavor gives a similar taste without the tomatoey kick.
Does it still taste like afritada without tomatoes?
It won’t have that distinctive tomato tang, but the stewed pork and veggie flavor profile stays true to the original dish. The soy sauce gives it a rich, savory flavor.
Do I have to use wine?
No, the wine just provides some acidic depth. You can use all broth or swap in pineapple juice instead if avoiding alcohol.
Can I use chicken broth?
Yes, chicken broth works well as a substitute for beef broth if needed.
Is potato necessary?
The potato gives it a hearty, stew-like texture but you can omit it if you prefer. Add more carrots or bell peppers instead.
Enjoy a New Twist on a Classic Dish!
The simple adjustments like browning the pork, using bone-in cuts, and thickening with a roux give you the rich flavor and tender texture you expect without the classic tomato base. Let your tastebuds explore something new while still enjoying a comforting Filipino-style stew.