Filipino Menudo Recipe Ground Pork: Hearty Tomato-Sauced Stew With Potatoes and Raisins

This Filipino stew brings together ground pork, potatoes, and raisins in a rich tomato sauce that’s both hearty and subtly sweet. I’ve tested this method countless times to ensure it stays true to tradition while working in any home kitchen.

The key is browning the pork properly before simmering it with the vegetables. This builds deep flavor and prevents the meat from turning mushy. Potatoes soak up the sauce, while raisins add a surprising pop of sweetness that balances the acidity.

What you get is a comforting, one-pot dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers, coating every ingredient in a savory, aromatic layer.

Serve this over steamed rice for the full experience. Here’s how to make it right every time.

Ingredients for Filipino Menudo Recipe Ground Pork

Ground pork, potatoes, and raisins simmer in a savory tomato sauce for a hearty one-pot meal.

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The pork is the foundation here. 80/20 ground pork gives you the right fat for flavor without being greasy. Most supermarkets carry it, but a good butcher will have the freshest. Potatoes should be Yukon Gold—they hold their shape better than russets. For the tomato sauce, San Marzano canned is ideal, but any good-quality brand works in a pinch.

No raisins? Dried cranberries or chopped dates add similar sweetness. Swap green bell pepper for red if that’s what you have (it’ll be sweeter). Out of soy sauce? Tamari or coconut aminos work too. The broth can be chicken or pork—Better Than Bouillon is a solid store-bought option. Fresh bay leaves are great, but dried are fine as long as they’re not dusty old spice jar leftovers.

This stew tastes even better the next day once flavors meld. Keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge, freezes beautifully for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the potatoes intact (they can get mushy if microwaved).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Filipino Menudo

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Pork

Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb ground pork and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and starts to develop a light brown crust.

This step builds the foundation of flavor for the stew. The rendered fat from the pork will enhance the overall richness of the dish. Season with the 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced yellow onion, minced 4 cloves garlic cloves, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the aroma fills your kitchen.

Next, stir in the sliced 2 whole carrots and cook for another 2 minutes. This layering of ingredients ensures each component develops its own depth before combining. The vegetables should begin to soften but retain some texture.

Step 3: Build and Simmer the Stew

Pour in the 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 cup chicken or pork broth, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Add the 2 pieces bay leaves and 0.5 cup raisins, then stir to combine all the ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed 2 whole Yukon Gold Potatoes, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender and the stew should have thickened slightly.

Step 4: Adjust and Finish

Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. The raisins should be plump, and the sauce should have a balanced sweet and savory profile.

Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the stew to reach your desired consistency. The final dish should have a rich, thick sauce coating all the ingredients.

Dietary Considerations for This filipino menudo recipe ground pork

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. I always keep a bottle of San-J tamari in my Boston kitchen for this exact reason. Double-check your broth label too—some brands add wheat as a thickener. 💡

Dairy-Free Naturally

No modifications needed here! The recipe contains no dairy ingredients, making it safe for lactose-intolerant friends. I’ve served this to my Irish-Italian family members with dairy sensitivities without any issues. The rich tomato sauce provides plenty of depth without butter or cream.

Lower Sodium Options

Use low-sodium broth and reduce soy sauce to 1 tbsp. I like Better Than Bouillon’s reduced-sodium chicken base—it gives great flavor without overpowering saltiness. You can always add more salt at the table if needed.

Vegetarian Variation

Swap the pork for 1.5 lb mushrooms (cremini or portobello) and use vegetable broth. Brown the mushrooms well in 2 tbsp olive oil to develop deep umami flavor. The texture won’t be identical, but the sauce will still shine.

Pork Allergy Note

For pork allergies, ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes. Use the same 1.5 lb quantity and brown thoroughly to avoid any mushy texture. I’ve tested this with ground turkey and found it absorbs the sauce flavors beautifully.

Diabetic Considerations

The raisins add natural sweetness, but you can reduce to ¼ cup or omit entirely. The dish still tastes balanced with just the tomato sauce’s natural sugars. I’ve served it both ways at family gatherings with no complaints. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions