Pork Afritada Recipe Panlasang Pinoy: Savory Tomato Stew With Potatoes and Bell Peppers

This Filipino pork stew brings the comforting flavors of home to your dinner table with its rich tomato base. I perfected this dish after testing various spice combinations to achieve the right balance of savory and tangy notes.

The recipe combines tender pork pieces with potatoes and bell peppers in a thick, flavorful sauce. A slow simmer allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and aromatic.

What emerges is a meal with fork-tender pork, soft vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce that’s perfect for serving over steamed rice. This dish holds a special place in my kitchen for its ability to transport me back to family gatherings.

David always requests seconds when I make this, and it’s become a staple in our household rotation. Let’s create this classic together.

Ingredients for Pork Afritada Recipe Panlasang Pinoy

Pantry staples and fresh veggies create this hearty stew with deep, comforting flavors.

The pork is key here. Pork shoulder stays tender after long simmering—avoid lean cuts like tenderloin. Most Asian markets have it pre-cubed, or ask your butcher to do it. I like grabbing mine from H Mart when I’m stocking up on other Filipino ingredients. Look for pieces with good marbling for the best flavor and texture.

No tomato sauce? Crushed tomatoes blended smooth work in a pinch. Out of bell peppers? Carrots or green beans add nice texture. The soy sauce can be swapped for fish sauce at half the amount if that’s what you’ve got. Want extra tang? A splash of calamansi juice (Filipino lime) brightens everything up.

This tastes even better the next day once all the flavors meld. Stores in the fridge for 4-5 days or freezes for up to 3 months. I like to make a double batch—David will eat it for lunch all week (trust me on this).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Afritada

This method builds layers of flavor that make this stew irresistibly rich and comforting.

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 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns light brown on all sides.

This browning step develops a deep, caramelized crust that adds incredible flavor to the stew. Don’t rush it—you want each piece to develop color evenly. If the pot becomes too crowded, brown the pork in batches to avoid steaming the meat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base

Push the pork to one side and add the chopped onion and minced 4 cloves garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Stir in the 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Then add the 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Pour in 1 cup of water (this helps balance the richness) and add the 2 pieces bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer Until Pork is Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking at the bottom.

You’ll know the pork is ready when it’s fork-tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. The meat should easily pull apart with a gentle nudge, and the liquid will have reduced to a rich, stew-like consistency.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking

Stir in the 2 whole peeled and cubed potatoes, sliced 1 whole red bell pepper, and sliced 1 whole green bell pepper. Simmer uncovered for another 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the bell peppers have softened.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or sugar brings everything into balance. The stew should have a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.

Remove the bay leaves before serving. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Health Benefits of pork afritada recipe panlasang pinoy

Rich Protein Source

This dish delivers high-quality protein from pork shoulder—about 40 grams per serving—essential for muscle repair and immune function. The slow-cooked pork also provides all nine essential amino acids your body can’t produce on its own. 💪

Vitamin Boost

The bell peppers in this stew pack a vitamin punch, with red bell peppers offering over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in one serving. Green peppers add vitamin K and folate, supporting blood health and cell function.

Tomato Benefits

Tomato sauce brings lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health. Cooking tomatoes actually increases lycopene absorption. The sauce also provides vitamin A for eye health and potassium to regulate blood pressure.

Balanced Nutrition

Potatoes add fiber and B vitamins to the mix, while the onion and garlic contribute prebiotic compounds that support gut health. Together, these ingredients create a nutritionally complete meal.

David always comments on how satisfying this dish is without feeling heavy. 🥗

Low-Fat Option

Despite its rich flavor, this stew is relatively low in fat when you trim visible fat from the pork shoulder. The slow cooking method allows you to use leaner cuts without sacrificing tenderness, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Frequently Asked Questions