Eggplant and Pork Giniling with Tomato Sauce
A hearty Filipino ground pork sauté with tender eggplant and sweet tangy tomato sauce, ideal for pairing with steamed rice. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pound ground pork, tomato sauce, medium onion, diced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 medium (about 2 cups) eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound ground pork to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups 1-inch cubed eggplant and cook for 4 minutes until slightly softened. Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix well and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the sauce thickens to coat the pork evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Eggplant and Pork Giniling with Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Eggplant and Pork Giniling with Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Eggplant and Pork Giniling with Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Eggplant and Pork Giniling with Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Eggplant and Pork Giniling with Tomato Sauce?
Filipino pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
