Filipino Menudo Recipe: If you’ve ever attended a Filipino family gathering—be it a birthday party, holiday celebration, or even a simple Sunday lunch—chances are you’ve had a plate of warm, savory, and comforting Menudo. This dish is a Filipino classic that’s been winning hearts for generations. Packed with tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce, Filipino Menudo isn’t just food—it’s a reminder of home, warmth, and celebration.
Unlike the spicy tripe soup of Mexican cuisine (also called Menudo), the Filipino version is a stew that’s more sweet, savory, and tangy, made to satisfy every craving. In fact, ask any Filipino, and they’ll tell you: nothing beats a spoonful of rice soaked in Menudo sauce with a bite of pork and a little liver—pure comfort on a plate.
Whether you’re new to Filipino food or just looking for an authentic recipe to cook for your loved ones, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s dive into the heart of Filipino home cooking with this delicious Menudo recipe.
What is Filipino Menudo?
Filipino Menudo is a hearty stew made primarily with diced pork and pork liver, simmered in a rich tomato sauce alongside vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Unlike other Filipino stews, Menudo stands out because of its slightly sweet and tangy flavor profile, which is enhanced by ingredients like tomato sauce, soy sauce, vinegar (or calamansi), and sometimes even raisins or pineapple for that signature sweet kick.
Traditionally, it’s served during family gatherings, fiestas, and potlucks. It’s budget-friendly, easy to cook in large batches, and deeply satisfying. Every household has its own twist—from the choice of meat to the type of vegetables or how sweet the sauce should be. Some versions include hotdogs for that nostalgic Filipino touch, while others lean more toward the savory side with heavy use of soy sauce and aromatics.
In short, Filipino Menudo is the ultimate comfort food—simple, flavorful, and always welcome at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Menudo Recipe
Still on the fence about trying Menudo? Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its tender pork, hearty veggies, and flavorful sauce, Menudo is something both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Easy to Make: No complicated techniques—just good old-fashioned sautéing and simmering.
- Great for Meal Prep: Menudo tastes even better the next day. Perfect for batch cooking!
- Customizable: Don’t like liver? Skip it. Want it spicier? Add chilies. This dish welcomes creativity.
- Budget-Friendly: You can make a big pot without breaking the bank.
This isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many Filipino households.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to make this dish. Just a handful of easily accessible ingredients, and you’re ready to go.
Meat & Protein
- 1 kg pork shoulder or pork belly, diced into small cubes
- 250g pork liver, cut into small pieces
- 2-3 Filipino-style hotdogs (optional), sliced diagonally
Vegetables
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Condiments
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or calamansi juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Cooking oil
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup raisins (for sweetness)
- ½ cup pineapple tidbits (for tangy flavor)
Tools & Equipment
To cook Menudo smoothly, gather these basic kitchen tools:
- Large sauté pan or wok
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
- Mixing bowls
Simple tools, right? That’s the beauty of home-cooked Filipino dishes—they’re made for real kitchens, not fancy restaurants.
Preparation Tips Before Cooking
Before you jump into the stove, take a few minutes to prep everything. Trust me, this saves time and makes the cooking process a breeze.
- Dice Everything Evenly: This ensures even cooking. Potatoes and carrots should be about the same size.
- Use Fresh Liver: Fresh pork liver should have a deep reddish color. Soak it in milk or water for 10 minutes to remove the strong metallic taste.
- Marinate the Pork: Marinate it in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for at least 15-30 minutes. This enhances the flavor.
- Fry the Potatoes and Carrots First: This keeps them from turning mushy later when simmered in the stew.
Got all that prepped? Great—let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Filipino Menudo
Let’s break it down step by step so you’ll never feel lost in the kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare and Cut All Ingredients
Chop your meat and vegetables before anything else. Keep them in separate bowls. Don’t forget to soak the liver briefly in milk if you want a milder flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
In a bowl, combine pork, soy sauce, and half of the minced garlic. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes for best results.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Onions
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent. This is the flavor base of your Menudo.
Step 4: Brown the Pork
Add the marinated pork (drained from excess marinade) to the pan. Cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer
Pour in tomato sauce, a little sugar, and bay leaf. Add water or broth. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until pork becomes tender.
Step 6: Add Carrots and Potatoes
Toss in your diced vegetables and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until tender. Frying them beforehand helps keep them firm.
Step 7: Add Liver and Bell Peppers
Add the pork liver and bell peppers. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Liver cooks quickly—don’t overdo it.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste your stew. Adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Turn off heat and serve it hot over steamed rice.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Menudo
Want to elevate your Menudo from good to unforgettable? Here are some practical, tried-and-true cooking tips to help you nail this dish every time:
1. Choose the Right Pork Cut
The ideal cut for Menudo is pork shoulder (also called “kasim” locally) because it has the right balance of meat and fat. Too lean, and your Menudo turns dry. Too fatty, and it becomes greasy. Pork belly works if you prefer it richer, but trim off excess fat to avoid making the stew too oily.
2. Don’t Overcook the Liver
This is where many home cooks go wrong. Liver only needs about 5-7 minutes to cook. Overcooking turns it rubbery and bitter. Add it toward the end, just enough to cook through but keep it tender and flavorful.
3. Let It Simmer Slowly
Menudo isn’t a dish you rush. Low and slow simmering gives the pork time to tenderize and allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the meat and turn your sauce into mush.
4. Fry the Veggies Separately (Optional but Recommended)
Lightly frying the potatoes and carrots before adding them to the stew helps them hold their shape and adds an extra layer of flavor. This is a traditional tip many Filipino moms swear by.
5. Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Some like their Menudo more savory, others a little sweet. Start with a teaspoon of sugar and adjust from there. Want it sweeter? Add raisins or a splash of pineapple juice for natural sweetness.
6. Sauce Consistency Matters
If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered to reduce. You want a slightly thick, gravy-like sauce that clings to every spoonful of rice.
These tips may seem small, but they make a big difference in the final dish. Practice them, and soon, your Menudo will taste like it came straight out of a Filipino kitchen.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
Filipino Menudo is all about versatility. While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can always spice things up with a few fun add-ins. Here’s how you can make it your own:
1. Add Raisins or Pineapple
Adding raisins gives your Menudo a burst of sweetness with every bite. Pineapple tidbits offer a tropical tang that complements the tomato-based sauce well. Just be sure to add these towards the end so they don’t disintegrate.
2. Menudo with Hotdogs
Filipino-style hotdogs bring color and a nostalgic flavor that makes this dish extra Filipino. Slice them diagonally and add them when you sauté the pork. Kids especially love this version!
3. Swap Out the Liver
Not a fan of liver? No problem. While it’s a traditional part of the dish, you can leave it out completely or substitute with chicken liver, which is milder. Another option? Use tofu for a vegetarian twist!
4. Try Chicken Instead of Pork
For a lighter version, chicken Menudo works great. Use boneless thighs for juiciness, and follow the same cooking steps. It’s leaner but still super flavorful.
5. Regional Styles
In some provinces, they use annatto oil for coloring or even coconut milk for a creamy twist. In the Visayas, Menudo can be spicier with more garlic. Feel free to experiment based on what you prefer.
These variations keep the dish exciting and adaptable for different palates or dietary preferences. There’s no wrong way to cook Menudo—as long as it’s made with love.
Nutrition Facts of Filipino Menudo
While delicious, it’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup of cooked Menudo):
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
Note: These values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size used.
To make it healthier:
- Use lean cuts of pork.
- Skip the hotdogs and liver.
- Use less oil when sautéing.
- Load up on veggies.
You can enjoy Filipino Menudo guilt-free by balancing your portion sizes and pairing it with fiber-rich sides.
How to Store and Reheat Menudo
Cooked a big batch? Don’t worry—Menudo stores wonderfully and tastes even better the next day!
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions. It lasts up to 2 months.
Pro tip: Let the Menudo cool before sealing to avoid moisture buildup, which leads to spoilage.
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened in the fridge.
- Microwave: Cover and heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between.
- Don’t Overheat: Especially if it contains liver—it can dry out fast.
Whether you’re meal prepping or storing leftovers, Menudo holds up like a champ.
What to Serve with Filipino Menudo
Filipino Menudo shines best when paired with simple sides that soak up its savory sauce. Here are a few ideas:
1. Steamed White Rice
This is the no-brainer choice. Every drop of sauce begs to be soaked up by fluffy, hot rice.
2. Pandesal (Filipino Bread Rolls)
Dip pandesal into the Menudo sauce for a sweet and savory bite.
3. Garlic Fried Rice
If you’re eating leftover Menudo for breakfast (yes, that’s a thing!), serve it with garlic rice and a sunny-side-up egg.
4. Atchara (Pickled Papaya)
The tanginess cuts through the richness of Menudo and adds a refreshing contrast.
5. Ice-Cold Soda or Calamansi Juice
A cold drink balances out the warm, saucy dish beautifully.
It’s all about balance. Let the sides enhance the dish, not compete with it.
Filipino Menudo vs Afritada vs Caldereta
These three dishes often get mixed up, but each has its unique flavor and vibe. Let’s break it down:
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Sauce Base | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menudo | Pork, liver, potatoes, carrots | Tomato-based | Includes liver & sometimes raisins |
| Afritada | Chicken or pork, bell peppers | Tomato-based | Simpler, no liver, more bell peppers |
| Caldereta | Beef, liver spread, cheese | Tomato + liver spread | Rich, spicy, usually includes olives |
While they look similar, the difference lies in the depth of flavor. Menudo is slightly sweet and tangy, Afritada is lighter and more pepper-forward, and Caldereta is bold, cheesy, and spicy.
FAQs about Filipino Menudo Recipe
Can I freeze Menudo with liver?
Yes, but note that liver can slightly change texture when frozen. It’s best to add fresh liver when reheating, or skip it altogether in the freezing batch.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add siling labuyo (bird’s eye chili) or chili flakes during cooking. You can also use spicy sausage instead of hotdog.
What’s the best pork cut for Menudo?
Pork shoulder is ideal. It has the right amount of fat and meat for a juicy stew.
Can I use beef or chicken instead?
Yes. Beef takes longer to cook but gives a deeper flavor. Chicken is lighter and faster to prepare.
Do I need to use tomato sauce?
It’s essential for the classic flavor. However, you can use fresh tomatoes and a bit of tomato paste as an alternative.
Conclusion
Filipino Menudo isn’t just a dish—it’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation, served at birthdays, fiestas, or quiet Sunday lunches. With its rich tomato sauce, savory pork, and nostalgic ingredients like liver and hotdogs, it tells a story on every plate. This step-by-step guide makes it easy for anyone—from beginners to seasoned home cooks—to bring this beloved comfort food to life.
So go ahead, cook a big pot, share it with friends and family, and let the rich aroma of Menudo fill your kitchen with love, warmth, and a little bit of Filipino magic.
