Pork Caldereta Recipe With Liver Spread: Filipino Stew With Rich, Creamy Depth

My grandmother’s handwritten notes never mentioned liver spread, but this version honors her spirit while adding creamy richness. The spread dissolves into the stew, creating a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pork.

This isn’t your typical caldereta. The liver spread replaces the usual tomato paste, deepening the flavor without overpowering the dish. It’s a small change with big impact—one I wish I’d discovered sooner.

Tender pork, potatoes, and carrots soak up the sauce, while the liver spread adds a subtle umami note. The result is a stew that’s hearty, comforting, and far more complex than the sum of its parts.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe delivers creamy depth every time.

Ingredients for Pork Caldereta Recipe with Liver Spread

Rich, velvety stew starts with these simple, hearty ingredients for a comforting meal.

The pork shoulder is key here—bone-in pieces add the most flavor to the broth. Look for well-marbled cuts at your butcher or Whole Foods meat counter. Liver spread might seem unconventional, but chicken liver spread (like the kind from San Miguel) dissolves beautifully and adds that signature creaminess. Don’t worry if it looks odd at first—it transforms as it cooks.

No liver spread? Blend chicken livers with a splash of cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free) until smooth. Tomato paste can stand in, but you’ll lose some depth—add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce to compensate. Potatoes can be swapped for sweet potatoes if you like a touch of sweetness. The vinegar balances the richness, so don’t skip it (or swap for calamansi juice if you have it).

This stew tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much (it always does).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Caldereta With Liver Spread

This method builds layers of flavor slowly—trust the process for that signature richness.

Step 1: Sear the Pork Shoulder for Deep Flavor

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the 2 lb pork shoulder cubes and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown on all sides. You’ll know it’s ready to turn when the meat releases easily from the pot.

Don’t rush this step—proper browning creates the fond that will deepen the stew’s flavor. I like to work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pot, which would steam the pork instead of searing it. Transfer the browned pork to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced 6 cloves garlic cloves and sliced green bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Let this mixture simmer for 3 minutes to meld the flavors. The vinegar’s tang will balance the richness of the liver spread later.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew to Tenderness

Return the pork to the pot along with the 1.5 lb potatoes, 3 whole carrots, 2 pieces bay leaves, and 1 tsp black peppercorns. Pour in enough water to cover everything by about 1 inch.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the pork is fork-tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife. Skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface during cooking.

Step 4: Finish with Creamy Liver Spread

Stir in the 0.5 cup liver spread and simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes. The liver spread will dissolve into the sauce, creating that rich, creamy consistency caldereta is known for.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the soy sauce and liver spread usually provide enough saltiness. Remove the bay leaves before serving. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon with a velvety texture.

Flavor Customization for This Recipe

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of chili flakes or 1 chopped siling labuyo for heat that complements the liver spread’s richness. I like to bloom the chili in the oil before adding the pork to infuse the entire dish with warmth. 🌶️

Brighten the Flavor

Stir in 1 tbsp calamansi juice or extra vinegar just before serving to cut through the richness. This small addition makes a big difference, especially if you’re serving the stew with rice.

Herb Infusion

For a fresh twist, add 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary while simmering. Remove the sprigs before serving. My grandmother never measured herbs—she just trusted her nose.

Umami Boost

Enhance depth with 1 tbsp fish sauce or 1 tsp shrimp paste stirred in during the final simmer. This amplifies the liver spread’s savory notes without overpowering the dish.

Vegetable Variations

Swap in sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or add green peas for color and texture. These tweaks keep the dish comforting while adding variety. Honestly, I love the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creamy sauce. 💛

Creamy Swirl

For extra luxury, swirl in 2 tbsp cream cheese or coconut milk at the end. This makes the sauce even richer and pairs beautifully with the liver spread’s depth.

Frequently Asked Questions