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.

- For pork soups, skim the scum that rises to the surface for a clear, clean broth.

- Deglaze the pan with vinegar after searing pork to lift the browned bits into the sauce.

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.

Spicy Pork Kaldereta

Spicy Pork Kaldereta

Metro Manila, NCR

Made with pork belly, carrot, potato and diced tomato — 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. Warm up oil in a pot.
  2. Saute garlic and onion.
  3. Add pork belly. Cook until light brown.
  4. Pour diced tomato into the pot. Stir.
  5. Add chili pepper, soy sauce, and liver spread. Stir and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Add beef broth. Cover the pot. Let boil. Simmer for 45 minutes.
  7. Fold in carrot, potato, bell pepper, and green pea. Cover the pot. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
  8. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Transfer to to a serving plate. 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.
- For pork soups, skim the scum that rises to the surface for a clear, clean broth.
- Deglaze the pan with vinegar after searing pork to lift the browned bits into the sauce.

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.
G

Lola Nena Guerrero

Ilocano & Visayan Regional Specialties

Lola Nena Guerrero is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. Born in Laoag and raised in Cebu, she brings decades of home cooking experience preserving Ilocano and Visayan regional recipes that have been passed down through her family.

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