Delicious and Authentic Filipino Dinuguan Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork meat (preferably belly part)
  • 200 grams pork liver
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 3 cups pork blood
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 pieces long green pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 pieces bay leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by cutting the pork into small pieces. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and sauté until the onions become soft.
  3. Add the pork to the pot and sauté until it turns light brown.
  4. Add the pork liver to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until it is cooked.
  5. Pour the vinegar into the pot and bring it to a boil without stirring. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the pork blood, water, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  7. Add the long green peppers, ground black pepper, salt, and sugar to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the dinuguan thickens to your desired consistency.
  9. Remove from heat and serve with rice or puto (rice cake). Enjoy your dinuguan!

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - Needed to cook the dinuguan and hold all the ingredients.
  • Knife - Used to cut the pork meat and liver into small pieces.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a surface for cutting the ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to accurately measure the vinegar and water.
  • Measuring Spoons - Helps in measuring the ground black pepper, salt, and sugar.
  • Garlic Press - Optional tool to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Tongs - Helps in handling the meat and liver while cooking.
  • Cooking Spoon - Used to mix the ingredients and scrape the bottom of the pot.
  • Plate - Provides a surface for holding the cooked dinuguan.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken meat instead of pork for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Replace pork liver with chicken liver or omit it entirely if desired.
  • Experiment with different types of vinegar such as cane vinegar, coconut vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
  • Add chili peppers or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Include vegetables like sliced eggplant, okra, or bitter melon for added texture and flavor.
  • For a twist, try adding coconut milk to create a creamy variation of dinuguan.
  • Substitute pork blood with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.

Recipe overview

Dinuguan is a traditional Filipino stew made from pork and pork blood, earning it the nickname "blood stew". This rich, savory dish is typically flavored with garlic, onions and vinegar, giving it a unique tangy taste that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the pork and liver. It's often served with rice or puto, a type of Filipino rice cake. Though the process of making Dinuguan might seem intimidating at first, it's actually quite straightforward. Expect to spend some time sautéing your meat and veggies before simmering everything together to create a beautifully thick and flavorful stew. This recipe includes easy-to-follow steps that will guide you through the process. Enjoy the journey of making this Filipino classic dish!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? - Yes, you can use other types of meat such as pork shoulder or pork loin if you prefer.
  2. Can I substitute pork blood with something else? - Unfortunately, there is no direct substitute for pork blood in dinuguan as it is a key ingredient that gives the dish its unique flavor and texture.
  3. How can I make the dinuguan less spicy? - If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the long green peppers. This will help to make the dish less spicy.
  4. Can I make dinuguan in advance? - Yes, dinuguan actually tastes better when it is allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight. Just reheat it before serving.
  5. Is there an alternative to using vinegar? - Vinegar is a crucial ingredient in dinuguan as it helps to tenderize the meat and balance the flavors. It is not recommended to substitute it with any other ingredient.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers? - Yes, you can freeze any leftover dinuguan in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for cooking the dinuguan.
  • Cutting board - To chop the pork and other ingredients.
  • Knife - For cutting the pork, liver, onions, and garlic.
  • Measuring cups - To measure the vinegar, pork blood, and water.
  • Measuring spoons - For measuring the salt, ground black pepper, and sugar.
  • Wooden spoon - For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Serving plates - To present the dinuguan when serving.
  • Rice cooker - To cook rice as a side dish for the dinuguan.
  • Puto molds - If you want to serve the dinuguan with puto (rice cake).
  • Tongs - For handling the hot ingredients or serving the dinuguan.

Origin stories

Dinuguan, a savory Filipino stew made from pork offal and/or meat, simmered in a rich, spicy dark gravy of pig's blood, garlic, chili, and vinegar, has its roots deeply embedded in Filipino culinary tradition. The name comes from the word "dugo" which means blood in Tagalog, a reflection of the dish's key ingredient. Dinuguan is a testament to the Filipino's resourcefulness and respect for food, using parts of the pig that would otherwise be wasted. It is often served with a type of rice cake called puto, providing a balance to the dish's rich and tangy flavors. A meal that truly embodies a celebration of flavors and textures, Dinuguan is a staple in any Filipino feast or 'fiesta', a dish that tells a story of culture, heritage, and an unapologetic love for food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.