Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking — the flavors deepen noticeably as it sits.

- Cook tomato-based stews until the oil separates and rises to the surface for maximum flavor concentration.

- Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

- Score the pork skin in a crosshatch pattern for maximum crispiness without cutting into the meat.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture. Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Higadillo  (Pork and Liver Stew)

Higadillo (Pork and Liver Stew)

Metro Manila, NCR

Made with pork, medium red onion, minced garlic and minced ginger — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Total: 55 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a pan.
  2. Saute the garlic, ginger, and onion until the onion becomes soft.
  3. Add the pork strips. Cook for 3 minutes.
  4. Put-in the liver. Cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Add the soy sauce, lechon sauce, and water. Stir and let boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Note: add water as necessary.
  6. Pour-in the vinegar. Allow to reboil.
  7. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes uncovered.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  9. Serve.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking — the flavors deepen noticeably as it sits.
- Cook tomato-based stews until the oil separates and rises to the surface for maximum flavor concentration.
- Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Score the pork skin in a crosshatch pattern for maximum crispiness without cutting into the meat.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture.
Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Substitutions

Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
A

Anton Guevarra

Street Food & Snacks

Food explorer and blogger dedicated to documenting the street food and snacks of the Philippines.

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