How to Make Delicious Hamonado Pork Recipe

Hamonado pork is a popular Filipino dish that is both sweet and savory It features melt-in-your-mouth tender pork braised in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. The end result is an absolutely delicious pork dish that goes perfectly with steaming white rice

In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of making hamonado pork recipe from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right pork cut, braising and simmering techniques, down to serving suggestions Read on to learn how to make this Filipino favorite right in your own kitchen

Ingredients Needed

To make hamonado pork recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pork – Pork belly, pork shoulder/butt, or pork hocks work best. Cubed into 2-inch pieces.
• Onion – One medium onion, chopped.
• Garlic – 4-5 cloves, minced.
• Pineapple – One 20oz can of pineapple chunks in juice.
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar – Apple cider or white vinegar.
• Water
• Bay leaves
• Peppercorns
• Brown sugar
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking oil

The most important ingredient is the pork. Pork belly or pork butt/shoulder with some fat on it works best, as the fat bastes the meat while cooking. The fat also gives the pork its signature melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make tender, flavorful hamonado pork recipe at home:

1. Sear the pork

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the pork cubes and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. This caramelizes the exterior and enhances the pork’s flavor. Set aside browned pork on a plate.

2. Saute the aromatics

In the same pot, saute the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.

3. Simmer the pork

Return the pork to the pot along with the pineapple chunks and juice. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until pork is very tender. Stir occasionally.

4. Finish the sauce

Once pork is tender, uncover and increase heat to medium. Stir in the brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. Add more vinegar or soy sauce to adjust flavor if needed.

5. Add pineapple chunks

Finally, stir in the reserved pineapple chunks. Cook for just another minute to heat through.

Remove from heat and serve hamonado pork recipe hot, spooned over steamed rice. Enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

• Choose pork with fat or skin on it for the most tender, juicy results.

• Don’t rush the simmering process. The long cooking time allows the pork to become fall-apart tender.

• Use pineapple juice and chunks from the same can to get the right sweet-tangy balance.

• Add vinegar gradually to taste. It provides acidity to balance the sweetness.

• Use brown sugar rather than white for deeper molasses notes.

• Garnish with scallions for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Hamonado pork is best enjoyed with:

• Steamed white rice – The tender pork and savory-sweet sauce go perfectly over rice.

• Fried egg – A crispy fried egg on top lends richness. The runny yolk mixes with the sauce.

• Vegetables – Quick-cooked greens like bok choy balance the richness.

• Shrimp paste – A dollop of bagoong alamang adds a salty umami pop.

Leftover hamonado pork will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. The flavors deepen over time. Reheat gently before serving. You can also freeze portions for longer storage.

More Delicious Pork Recipes

If you love Filipino pork dishes, try these other amazing recipes:

• Pork Adobo – The iconic garlic-vinegar braiseed pork.

• Crispy Pata – Fried pork knuckles, served with a vinegary dipping sauce.

• Pork Sinigang – Tamarind-stewed pork with vegetables.

• Lechon Kawali – Crispy fried pork belly.

• Bicol Express – Spicy pork stewed in coconut milk.

• Pork Sisig – Sizzling chopped pork with chili peppers and egg.

With this easy recipe, you can now make the most flavorful, juicy hamonado pork right at home. It’s sweet, salty, tangy and so satisfying. Enjoy this Filipino favorite dish with steamed rice!