Garlic-Simmered Pork Mechado Stew
Tender pork chunks slowly simmered in a rich tomato and garlic sauce, balanced with soy sauce and a touch of sweetness. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 80 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, cubed, garlic cloves, minced, medium onion, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1.5 pounds pork shoulder, cubed
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced medium onion, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds cubed pork shoulder to the pot and brown for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until edges are lightly caramelized.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 1/2 cups water, and stir in 1 tbsp brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 45 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 2 peeled and quartered medium potatoes and 2 sliced medium carrots, cover again, and cook for 20 more minutes until vegetables and pork are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Simmered Pork Mechado Stew take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic-Simmered Pork Mechado Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork shoulder, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Simmered Pork Mechado Stew?
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 Garlic-Simmered Pork Mechado Stew 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 Garlic-Simmered Pork Mechado Stew?
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.
