Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.

- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.

- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.

- Let pork belly cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat portions.

Cooking Tips

Skim off any scum or impurities that rise to the surface during the first boil — this keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting. For the richest flavor, start with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This extracts more depth from the meat and bones.

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.

Nilagang Baboy (Boiled Pork Soup)

Nilagang Baboy (Boiled Pork Soup)

Metro Manila, NCR

Pork boiled in a clear garlic broth with tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens. Simple, clean, and deeply comforting.

Prep: 2 min Cook: 60 min Total: 62 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. Heat over the cooking oil in a deep cooking pot.
  2. Once the oil becomes hot, saute the onion.
  3. Add the whole pepper corn. Continue to cook for 20 seconds.
  4. Put-in the pork. Cook until the color turns light brown (about 3 to 5 minutes).
  5. Pour-in the beef or pork broth. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes or until the pork becomes tender.
  6. Add the saba banana and potatoes. Stir and cook for 12 minutes.
  7. Put-in the cabbage. Add salt to taste. Stir. Cover and continue to cook for 3 minutes.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with a spicy fish sauce dipping sauce.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- Let pork belly cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat portions.

Cooking Tips

Skim off any scum or impurities that rise to the surface during the first boil — this keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting.
For the richest flavor, start with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. This extracts more depth from the meat and bones.

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.
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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