Pork Afritada, with tender pork, carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers in rich tomato gravy, is a dinner favorite for good reason! This Filipino pork stew is super easy to make and so tasty and filling. It's perfect with steamed rice!
For a good reason, pork afritada is a classic and long-time favorite at the dinner table. Here are why we love this hearty stew.
- It's budget-friendly and uses a short list of staple ingredients.
- It's easy to make, cooks in one pan, and is ready in an hour.
- It's perfect for feeding a large crowd; the recipe can be doubled or tripled in a pinch.
- It's versatile and can be easily adapted to what type of meat or protein is on hand. You can use chicken, beef, and fish such as bangus or tilapia.
- It's tasty, filling, and perfect with steamed rice!
Pork cut to use
I love the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of pork belly when cooked low and slow in the sauce, but feel free to use other cuts, such as pork shoulder (Kasim), pork butt (pique), for a leaner cut, or spare ribs.
Cooking Steps
Cubed pork is sauteed with garlic and onions until lightly browned and then simmered in tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Pan-fried potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers are added to complete the dish.
I have two ways of making the stew, depending on the kind of meat I use. For the chicken afritada version, I use fresh tomatoes for a lighter sauce and usually add green peas to the traditional mix of vegetables. For pork or beef afritada, I like canned tomato sauce and a small dollop of tomato paste for a thicker sauce.
How to make afritada extra special
Afritada is mainly served as a regular family meal, but you can easily make it extra special with a few simple additions.
- My favorite way to turn it into a party-worthy fare is a la pineapple chicken afritada with fruit chunks, brightening the dish with color and bringing a hint of sweetness that goes well with the tomato sauce.
- Want to boost the flavor? Add smoked meats such as ham, bacon, chorizo de Bilbao, or hot dogs.
- The easiest trick to kick up the presentation is deep-frying the cubed potatoes and carrots until lightly browned and tender. They will hold their shape better instead of disintegrating into the sauce and can be used to garnish the stew when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in pork afritada?
Calories vary depending on the preparation method and ingredients used. This recipe has an estimated 1251 kcal per serving.
What is the difference between Filipino menudo and afritada?
Both dishes are tomato-based stews commonly made of choice meat, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Menudo, however, includes liver to thicken the sauce and add another layer of savory flavor.
How to serve and store
- Serve with steamed rice for a delicious and filling lunch or dinner meal.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers or resealable bags. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, place in a pan and heat over medium heat to an internal temperature of 165 F.
More Filipino stew recipes
Ingredients
- ยผ cup canola oil
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cubed
- ยฝ green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into cubes
- ยฝ red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into cubes
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 3 pounds pork belly or pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 ยฝ cups water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a wide pan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add potatoes and carrots and cook until lightly browned. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Remove oil from pan except for about 2 tablespoons.ย ย Add bell peppers and cook for about 30 seconds. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add pork and cook until lightly browned.
- Add fish sauce and cook for aboutย 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and continue to cook for about 40 to 45 minutes or until pork is tender.
- Add potatoes and carrots. Continue to cook for until tender and sauce is thickened and reduced.
- Add bell peppers and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until tender yet crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Mila Manalansan says
Very good. But when do you add the tomato paste?
Sandra says
Your recipe is helpful. Thanks
Olive G says
When should I put the tomato paste? I think it was missing in the steps. Kindly show me in case I missed it. Thank you.
Rachel says
Hi Lalaine. You listed the tomato paste in the ingredient list but didn't specify when to add it. Also, the list said 1 cup tomato sauce but in your reply to someone's comment you wrote
15 ounces which is roughly 2 cups.
ceres says
when do you add the tomato paste?
Gina Ramos says
Hi Lalaine,
I like your version of Pork Afritada. Itโs like the foundation of all tomato saucy Filipino dishes. As I was scrolling down to the recipe, I saw your video of Dynamite Lumpia, and a video on side using using a black coated steel with white tiny spots. What is the brand of this pot and pan. Is it lighter than Le Creuset or Lodge. Iโve seen this also being used in tasteshow.com by different chefs specially the Asian chefs on the website.
Thank you.
Lois Lane says
Hi, thank you for this recipe. This was really great dish. I brought it for a Potluck party and everyone loved it. Even my husband who doesn't like pork said it was good. I did add bacon as you suggested, also I added a little of liquid smoke to add more smoke taste. Love this.
Lalaine Manalo says
Thank you so much for the feedback. I am glad it was a hit at the party and with hubby ๐
Ray says
To double the recipe, do I just double the amount of the each ingredient?
Thanks.
Lalaine Manalo says
Hi Ray. Yes, that's correct!
Christine in Los Angeles says
What would you/could you substitute for fish sauce?
Lalaine Manalo says
Salt is fine if you don't want to use fish sauce ๐
Stefanny hermias says
I tried cooking and following this recipe! And my kids just loved it so much! They have it as their โbaonโ to school. Yum!
Lalaine Manalo says
Yay! I am glad the kiddos loved it. They're the best critic ๐
Jom Lumagui says
This recipe is amazing! My friends and my boyfriend loved this!
Lalaine says
Thank you! I am glad everyone liked it ๐
Robert says
Pwede ba ang tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
Lalaine Manalo says
Pwede po but just adjust the liquids kasi mas concentrated ang tomato sauce at walang liquid siya ๐
lisa says
ive tried all those recipe already and my twins really loved it
Lalaine says
Thank you, Lisa, for the feedback. I am glad the kids enjoyed it ๐
ROC grecia says
THANK YOU!
Lalaine says
๐
kristelle says
Hi. I followed the steps except for the pickles and olives. turned out good actually! Fam loves it. Easy steps.
Lalaine Manalo says
Did you add pickles and olives? I am glad it turned well for the family!
Vincent says
You forgot to write the amount of tomato sauce in the list of ingredients.
Lalaine says
Hello Vincent
The recipe does have the amount listed. It's one can of tomato sauce, 15 ounces.
ricardo soriano says
Pork afritada