Pork Binagoongan With Eggplant Recipe

Experience the exquisite flavors of Pork Binagoongan with Eggplant or talong, a classic Filipino dish where succulent pork is lovingly simmered in a delectable shrimp paste sauce.

When you have a jar of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on hand, Kare-Kare, Bicol Express, Pinakbet and Binagoongan are my go-to dishes. Bagoong may seem like an acquired taste, but once you get hooked, it's irresistibly addicting!

Pork Binagoongan with eggplant is a classic Filipino dish that beautifully combines savory pork with the bold, salty flavor of bagoong just like Pinakbet. The eggplant absorbs the rich flavors, making every bite extra satisfying. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to put bagoong on everything!

If you're craving more pork dishes, you should also check out Pork Ginataan, Pork Tinumis, Pork Guisantes, or Pork Caldereta for a comforting Filipino feast!

⏲️Origin of Pork Binagoongan

While the exact origins are murky, Pork Binagoongan's roots likely lie in the Philippines' pre-colonial era.

Back then, Filipinos used fermented fish paste ("bagoong") to preserve food and add umami depth.

Over time, this practice evolved into dishes like Binagoongan, where pork simmered in bagoong became a versatile and flavorful staple.

Today, it's a beloved dish across the Philippines, with regional variations showcasing the country's culinary diversity.

⭐What is Bagoong or Shrimp Paste?

Bagoong is a fermented shrimp or fish paste that's a total game-changer in Filipino cooking. This condiment packs a punch with its umami richness, offering a salty, slightly sweet taste that makes dishes like Pork Binagoongan unforgettable.

Its strong aroma can be an acquired taste, but once you get hooked, there's no going back.

🥘Ingredients

• Pork Belly or Spareribs: The star of the show! Juicy, succulent pork that brings rich and satisfying flavor to the dish.
• Sauteed Shrimp Paste: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and umami richness.
• Eggplant: This underrated veggie adds wonderful texture and flavor when sliced up and cooked.
• Onion and Garlic: The dynamic duo of flavor!
• Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes that add a burst of freshness and acidity.
• Cooking Oil: Whether olive or vegetable oil, it ensures ingredients cook up beautifully and evenly.
• Water: Simple hydration for your ingredients.
• Oyster Sauce: Sweet, salty, and savory—a flavor bomb in a bottle!
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors, harmonizing the dish.
• Cane Vinegar: Tangy and aromatic, it adds lovely acidity, cutting through the richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance out the dish with savory goodness.
• Thai Red Chilis: For those who like it hot, these chilis bring a fiery kick.
• Freshly Chopped Green Onions or Cilantro: Adds a burst of color and freshness to every bite.

🔪How To Cook Pork Binagoongan?

1. Fry sliced eggplant and set aside.
2. Season and sear pork in oil until browned. Set aside
3. Sauté garlic and onion until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in bagoong, cook for a few minutes.
5. Add quartered tomatoes; cook until softened.
6. Pour water, oyster sauce, sugar, salt and pepper and simmer until pork is tender.
7. Adjust seasoning; add red chili peppers for heat if desired.
8. Add vinegar and resist mixing for 3 minutes.
9. Simmer until sauce thickens.
10. Garnish with green onions or cilantro.
11. Serve hot with rice.

Variations

• Pork Binagoongan with Coconut Milk: Add a splash of coconut milk to give it a creamy, slightly sweet twist.
• Crispy Pork Binagoongan: Use crispy pork belly or deep-fried pork chunks for a crunchier texture.
• Spicy Binagoongan: Stir in a few slices of chili for extra heat, perfect for those who love spicy dishes.
• Vegetarian Binagoongan: Replace the pork with tofu or mushrooms to make it vegetarian-friendly while keeping the same savory flavor.
• Binagoongan with Green Mango: Add slices of green mango for a tangy contrast to the savory and salty flavor of the dish.

Pairing Suggestion

• Garlic Fried Rice: A classic Filipino side, garlic fried rice pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of Pork Binagoongan, soaking up the savory sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Light and healthy, steamed vegetables like bok choy or green beans add a fresh contrast to the hearty pork dish.
• Pickled Papaya (Atsara): Sweet and tangy pickled papaya cuts through the richness of the pork, adding a refreshing crunch.
• Mango Salad: A vibrant mango salad with a hint of lime and chili complements the bold flavors of the main dish.
• Tomato and Onion Salsa: This simple and flavorful salad pairs well with the savory pork.
• Grilled Corn: Sweet and smoky grilled corn on the cob provides a delicious contrast to the savory pork and shrimp paste.
• Cucumber and Vinegar Salad: A light and refreshing salad with thinly sliced cucumbers and a splash of vinegar balances the dish's richness.
• Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness that complements the umami-rich pork and shrimp paste.
• Calamansi Juice: The perfect drink to compliment bagoong.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Pork Binagoongan in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply microwave or gently warm it in a pan, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

Recipes That Uses Bagoong

• Bagoong Fried Rice: Savory fried rice tossed with garlic, bagoong, and often paired with grilled meats or seafood.
• Bagoong with Vinegar Dipping Sauce: A tangy and salty dip for fried fish, mixing bagoong with vinegar, garlic, and chili.
• Kare-Kare with Bagoong: A rich, peanut-based Filipino stew traditionally served with bagoong on the side to enhance its flavors.
• Pinakbet: A vegetable medley featuring bitter melon, squash, and eggplant, cooked in a savory sauce with bagoong for an umami punch.
• Bicol Express: A spicy pork stew made with coconut milk and chili peppers, elevated with the salty-sweet flavor of bagoong.

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