Tomatoey, savory, and comforting ā this Pork Afritada is the kind of ulam that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

There are days when you donāt want anything fancy. Yung gusto mo lang is kanin + ulam na alam mong kakainin ng lahat, walang reklamo. And for me, Pork Afritada is one of those dishes.
Itās familiar, dependable, and very Filipino. The kind of ulam na kaya mong lutuin kahit pagod ka na, pero siguradong uubusin pa rin ng pamilya mo. Plus, it smells so good while cooking that everyone starts asking, āAnong ulam?ā even before itās done.
Why Pork Afritada Never Gets Old
Pork Afritada is one of those classic tomato-based dishes that:
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Is budget-friendly and filling
- Gets better the next day (hello leftovers!)
- Pairs perfectly with a LOT of rice
Itās also very flexible ā you can adjust the veggies, the cut of pork, or even make it slightly sweet or more savory depending on your familyās taste.
The Pork Cut I Love Using
For afritada, I usually go for pork kasim or pork belly.
Why? Because a little fat makes the sauce richer and more flavorful. Hindi siya dry, and the meat stays tender even after simmering.

Mommy Peach Notes š
- Afritada tastes even better kinabukasan, so this is perfect for meal prep.
- If kids are eating, you can make it slightly sweeter by adding a bit more sugar.
- Want extra richness? Add a spoon of liver spread near the endāold-school but sooo good.
This is one of those ulam na walang arte pero solid, and honestly, itās dishes like this that make everyday meals special.
What to Serve with Pork Afritada
Fried egg on the side (trust me š)
Steamed white rice (of course!)
Ensaladang talong or pipino
PrintPork Afritada
- Author: Peachy Adarne
Ingredients
- 750g pork (kasim or belly), cut into serving pieces
- 3 tbsp cooking oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup tomato paste
- 3 cup water (or pork broth)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 pork cube
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, pang-balanse)
- 2 potato, cubed
- 1 carrot, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
SautƩ the aromatics
Heat oil in a pan. SautƩ garlic until fragrant, then add onions and cook until soft and translucent. -
Brown the pork
Add the pork pieces and cook until lightly browned. Season with patis and ground black pepper. This step helps seal in flavor. -
Build the sauce
Pour in tomato paste and water. Add pork cube, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir well. -
Simmer until tender
Cover and simmer over low heat for 30ā40 minutes, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally. -
Add the vegetables
Add potatoes and carrots first. Cook for about 10 minutes, then add bell peppers. -
Season to taste
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for a few more minutes until vegetables are tender but not mushy. -
Serve hot
Best enjoyed with freshly cooked riceāyung mainit-init pa š

















