Pork Afritada Recipe Ingredients: Filipino-Style Tomato and Potato Stew

This Filipino stew brings my grandmother’s kitchen to life with its rich tomato base and tender pork. I remember watching her balance flavors without a single measurement, relying only on instinct and experience.

The dish combines simple ingredients—pork, potatoes, and bell peppers—simmered in a savory tomato sauce. It’s a one-pot meal that fills the kitchen with an aroma that’s hard to resist.

What makes it special is how the pork becomes fork-tender while the potatoes soak up the tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Every bite carries the warmth of a home-cooked tradition.

Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this stew delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it at home.

Ingredients for Pork Afritada Recipe Ingredients

Rich tomato sauce, tender pork, and hearty potatoes make this stew unforgettable.

The pork is the foundation here. Pork shoulder yields the most tender, flavorful results—avoid lean cuts as they dry out during simmering. Most butchers will cube it for you if asked, or grab pre-cut stew meat from the grocery store. For the potatoes, Russets hold their shape best in the sauce, but Yukon Golds work too (they’re creamier).

No tomato sauce on hand? Crushed tomatoes blended smooth will do the trick. Swap bell peppers for carrots or green beans if that’s what’s in your crisper. The soy sauce is key for depth—coconut aminos work as a gluten-free alternative. If you’ve got fish sauce (even a splash), it’ll add that extra layer of umami Filipinos love.

This stew tastes even better the next day. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for 3 months. The potatoes may soften when stored, but the flavor deepens beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Afritada

Follow this tested method to create a rich, savory stew with tender pork and vegetables.

Step 1: Brown the Pork Shoulder

Heat the 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb pork shoulder cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is golden brown on all sides. This step builds deep flavor through caramelization.

Don’t crowd the pot—work in batches if needed to ensure proper browning. As the pork cooks, season it with the 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Transfer the browned pork to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn.

Stir in the 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Then add the 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer with Vegetables

Return the browned pork to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Add the 2 pieces bay leaves, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.

After the pork has simmered, add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes, seeded and sliced red bell pepper, and seeded and sliced green bell pepper. Stir gently to combine. Cover and continue simmering for 20-25 minutes until the pork and potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed—the flavors should be well-balanced with a slight tang from the tomato and a touch of sweetness.

Let the stew sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot over steamed rice, ensuring each serving has a good mix of pork, potatoes, and bell peppers. The sauce should be thick enough to cling to the ingredients.

Flavor Customization for This Recipe

Spice It Up

For a bolder kick, add 1 chopped siling labuyo or ½ tsp red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. I learned from my grandmother that a little heat enhances the tomato base beautifully. This works especially well if you love that extra warmth in your stew. 🌶️

Sweeter Touch

If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the sugar to 2 tsp or add 1 tbsp raisins during simmering. The sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a subtle depth that my family always loved.

Extra Umami

Boost the savory notes with 1 tbsp fish sauce or 1 tbsp oyster sauce stirred in with the soy sauce. These additions deepen the flavor without overpowering the dish. I often use Red Boat fish sauce from my local Asian market.

Vegetable Swaps

Swap the bell peppers for 1 cup chopped carrots or 1 cup green beans if that’s what you have on hand. The dish remains hearty and delicious, and it’s a great way to use up veggies from my neighborhood grocery store.

Herb Infusion

Add 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh basil when simmering the sauce for an herbaceous twist. This small addition brightens the dish and reminds me of the fresh herbs my grandmother grew in her kitchen. 💛

Coconut Milk Twist

For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This variation adds richness and a subtle tropical note that pairs wonderfully with the tangy tomato base.

Frequently Asked Questions