Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- The sweet pickle relish adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato base.

- Chicken liver is traditional — if you don't like liver, extra ground pork works as a substitute.

- Use a combination of ground pork and liver for the classic Filipino menudo texture.

Cooking Tips

For the most tender results, cook low and slow — a gentle simmer (not a vigorous boil) breaks down connective tissue without drying out the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking. As liquids reduce, flavors concentrate, so what tastes balanced early may become too salty later.

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. This dish freezes exceptionally well — portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating frozen portions, add a splash of water or broth to restore the original consistency, as some liquid is absorbed during storage. 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.

Menudo

Menudo

Metro Manila, NCR

Made with pork shoulder, cubed, tomato sauce, tomatoes and hot dogs — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Total: 60 min Easy Serves 16

Instructions

  1. Add garlic, onion and Cook it until they soften and get fragrant.
  2. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, and 1 cup water. Simmer 25 minutes.
  3. Mix in carrots, sweet potato, hot dogs, and peas.
  4. Cook it until vegetables are tender. Serve with rice.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- The sweet pickle relish adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato base.
- Chicken liver is traditional — if you don't like liver, extra ground pork works as a substitute.
- Use a combination of ground pork and liver for the classic Filipino menudo texture.

Cooking Tips

For the most tender results, cook low and slow — a gentle simmer (not a vigorous boil) breaks down connective tissue without drying out the meat.
Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking. As liquids reduce, flavors concentrate, so what tastes balanced early may become too salty later.

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.
This dish freezes exceptionally well — portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating frozen portions, add a splash of water or broth to restore the original consistency, as some liquid is absorbed during storage.
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.
M

Maria Santos

Traditional Filipino & Kapampangan Cuisine

Maria Santos is a valued contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. Based in Pampanga, she shares recipes inspired by Kapampangan and traditional Filipino comfort food — dishes she learned through years of home cooking and family tradition.

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