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Pork mechado served in a white plate.

Pork Mechado Recipe

This fish recipe will make your taste buds dance with a mix of sweet and sour flavor that will make you ask for more rice!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 6
Calories 638 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Soy Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Calamansi Juice
  • 3 tbsp Cooking Oil
  • 2 piece Potatoes large (wedge)
  • 1 piece Carrots large (wedge)
  • 2 pieces Bell Peppers large (wedge)
  • 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 piece Onion large (chopped)
  • 1 kilogram Pork Belly (squared)
  • 250 ml Tomato Sauce
  • 500 ml Water
  • 1 piece Pork Cube
  • 150 grams Green Peas
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, marinate the pork belly with soy sauce, calamansi juice, and ground black pepper. Ensure the pork is evenly coated in the marinade, then let it sit for at least one hour to absorb the flavors.
  • Heat a pan over medium heat and fry the potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers until they are slightly browned and tender. Once cooked, set them aside for later use.
  • In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until they are fragrant and softened.
  • Once the garlic and onion are slightly cooked, add the marinated pork belly to the pan. Let it simmer until the pork is slightly cooked and starts to brown.
  • Add the tomato sauce to the pan and let it simmer for about two minutes to allow the meat to absorb the flavor.
  • Pour in two cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the pork simmer until it becomes tender, which may take some time.
  • Once the meat is tender, add the pork cubes to the pan to enhance the flavor of the dish.
  • Add the green peas to the pan, followed by the fried potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Let the Mechado simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Let the Mechado simmer for a final time until all the ingredients are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper according to your preference.
  • Transfer the Pork Mechado to a serving bowl and it's ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot alongside steamed rice or your favorite bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Video

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can add a few bay leaves and some black peppercorns when simmering.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the sauce reduce further by simmering uncovered during the last part of cooking.