Pork Estofado: Sweet Braised Pork with Bananas
Estofado is a Spanish-influenced Filipino braise: pork in a dark, lightly sweet sauce of soy, vinegar and sugar with saba bananas, potatoes and carrots.
About Pork Estofado
Pork estofado is a Filipino braise of pork belly with saba bananas, potatoes and carrots in a dark, sweet-sour soy and vinegar sauce. The name comes from the Spanish estofado (stew), and the dish is a sweeter cousin of adobo that is popular at fiestas and family gatherings.
The saba bananas are the surprise: fried briefly and added at the end, they turn soft and caramelized and give the sauce a fruity sweetness. The pork simmers until tender, and the vegetables make it a one-pot meal.
Ingredient notes
- Pork belly: its fat enriches the sauce.
- Saba bananas: starchy cooking bananas that hold their shape and add sweetness.
- Soy sauce, vinegar and sugar: the sweet-sour-salty base.
- Potatoes and carrots: make the dish more filling.
Tips for the best Pork Estofado
- Brown the pork. It gives the sauce depth.
- Simmer covered. Cook until the pork is tender before adding vegetables.
- Fry the bananas. A quick fry in oil keeps them from dissolving.
- Balance the sauce. Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste.
- Reduce at the end. A glossy sauce coats everything.
What to serve with Pork Estofado
Serve with steamed rice. A simple green vegetable on the side balances the sweetness.
Variations and substitutions
- Chicken estofado: use chicken thighs.
- With prunes: a traditional touch of sweetness.
- Less sweet: reduce the sugar.
- With sausage: add chorizo.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat gently. The flavor improves overnight.
Frequently asked questions
What is estofado?
A Spanish-influenced braise; the Filipino version is sweet and savory.
Can I skip the bananas?
Yes, but they are a signature of the dish.
What is the difference between estofado and adobo?
Estofado is sweeter and usually includes bananas and vegetables.
Can I use ripe bananas?
Use firm, just-ripe saba; very ripe fruit falls apart.
