Pork Menudo Stew with Tomato and Potatoes
A hearty Filipino pork menudo stew simmered with tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers for a rich and comforting meal. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 65 minutes pairs pork shoulder, diced 1-inch, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 lb pork shoulder, diced 1-inch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 1-inch
- 1 medium carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- to taste salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 leaf bay leaf
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped medium white onion, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound diced pork shoulder and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is lightly browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 diced medium ripe tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they break down and release juices.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 2 medium peeled and cubed potatoes, 1 medium sliced carrot, and 1 diced red bell pepper to the stew. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Season with salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with steamed white rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pork Menudo Stew with Tomato and Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Pork Menudo Stew with Tomato and Potatoes?
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 pork shoulder, diced 1-inch from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pork Menudo Stew with Tomato and Potatoes?
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 Pork Menudo Stew with Tomato and Potatoes 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 Pork Menudo Stew with Tomato and Potatoes?
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.
