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.
- Brown the pork in batches so each piece gets direct contact with the hot pan surface.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.
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. Check liquid levels halfway through cooking and add hot water or broth if needed. Long-cooked dishes can dry out or burn if left unattended. In true Kapampangan style — the food capital of the Philippines — don't be shy with the seasoning. Pampanga cooking is known for its bold, confident flavors.
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.
Sinantomas
Pork ribs are braised until fall-apart tender in a sweet and savory sauce with cubed sweet potato, soy sauce, banana ketchup, pineapple juice, and cracked peppercorns, resulting in a rich and tangy Filipino stew with caramelized sweetness.
Instructions
- Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane and slicing it into serving pieces.
- Combine the marinade ingredients along with the ribs in a big bowl. Start with the ground black pepper, fish sauce, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Mix well. Marinate for at least 3 hours. Note: the longer the better.
- Heat oil in a pan. Fry the sweet potato until it turns light brown. Remove and set aside.
- Using the remaining oil, pan-fry ribs for 3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan. Set aside.
- Saute onion using remaining oil. Add garlic and tomato. Cook until onion softens.
- Pour-in remaining rib marinade ingredients. Let it boil.
- Add ribs back into the bowl. Pour water. Let boil.
- Add banana ketchup. Stir and cover the pan. Continue cooking in low heat for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until the meat gets tender.
- Add the sweet potato back in the pan. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Transfer to to a serving plate. Serve with warm rice.
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Pro 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.
- Brown the pork in batches so each piece gets direct contact with the hot pan surface.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.
Cooking Tips
Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking. As liquids reduce, flavors concentrate, so what tastes balanced early may become too salty later.
Check liquid levels halfway through cooking and add hot water or broth if needed. Long-cooked dishes can dry out or burn if left unattended.
In true Kapampangan style — the food capital of the Philippines — don't be shy with the seasoning. Pampanga cooking is known for its bold, confident flavors.
Substitutions
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
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.
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