This recipe is a fusion of potent flavors that balance each other to create a delicious dish. Despite the distinct smell that may come from the ingredients, the surprisingly savory flavor bomb is enough to disregard the strong scent wafting in the kitchen.
The saltiness of the bagoong, the sharp sourness of vinegar, and the subtle sweetness of oyster sauce build the base of flavor for this dish. And when the coconut cream flows into the pot, it brings everything together to create this deliciously unique dish.
Pork Binagoongan with Gata
Ingredients
- 1 kg. pork belly
- Oil, for sautéing
- 2 pcs. onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup raw bagoong
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 6 pcs. tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsps. oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 8 pcs. green chili
- Side of boiled eggplant
Instructions
- In a pan, heat the oil. Sear the pork. Add some oil to help it cook better.
- Slice the onions and add it into the pan. Mix them all, then add the garlic. Let it cook together for a while before adding the bagoong. Sauté it until all the juices evaporate and the onions have softened.
- Add the vinegar to balance the flavors. Cover and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. After some time, remove the cover and let some of the sauce evaporate. Add the tomatoes. Mix them all together. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce for color. Mix, then leave it to stew.
- Add the coconut cream. Let it simmer until the tomatoes have melted into the sauce and the sauce has reduced. Once it has lessened to the amount you wish, add the green chilies. Mix, then let it simmer for a few more minutes. Make sure to taste the sauce and adjust it to your preference.
Chew through the softened pork that has been coated in bold flavors. Each bite is filled with the essence of bagoong, vinegar, and oyster sauce—making it so flavorful that a single bowl of freshly cooked rice is not enough. And so, when deciding to cook this dish, make sure to have extra rice so your taste buds do not get overwhelmed.
For more simple and easy recipes, grab copies of our Simpol Cookbook collection on Shopee or Lazada. Also available in Fully Booked and National Book Store.
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