This Easy Pork and Green Peas Recipe (Filipino Guisantes) is a flavorful and quick dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy tender pork and sweet green peas in a savory tomato sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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This Easy Pork and Green Peas Recipe (Pork Guisantes) is a popular Filipino dish that's similar to Pork Bistek and Menudo (tomato-based pork stew). It's always a hit at Filipino gatherings, especially during fiestas and family events. The tender pork and sweet green peas in a savory tomato sauce make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves.
Growing up, this dish was a staple at our family celebrations, bringing comfort and joy to the table. Its flavor-packed simplicity reminds me of other Filipino classics like Pork Binagoongan, with its savory shrimp paste, or Pork Caldereta, a rich, hearty stew with a creamy peanut butter twist. Then there’s the comforting Pork Ginataan, infused with the creamy richness of gata (coconut milk), and, of course, the vibrant Menudo, with its tender pork, potatoes, and bell peppers.
With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you're new to Filipino cuisine or a longtime fan, this Easy Pork and Green Peas Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen—and a delightful addition to your rotation of Filipino pork recipes!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of tender pork and sweet green peas in a rich tomato sauce creates a delicious and satisfying dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find, making it convenient to prepare.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require much time to cook.
- Versatile: Can be served with rice, noodles, or even bread, making it adaptable to different meals.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A hit at family gatherings and fiestas, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys.
- Comfort Food: Brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminiscent of family celebrations and traditional Filipino dish.
What is Guisantes
My mom simply calls this dish guisantes.
"Guisantes" is the Spanish word for green peas. In Filipino cuisine, it refers to a main dish that includes green peas, often combined with other ingredients like pork, chicken, or beef in a savory tomato-based sauce. This great dish is known for its rich flavors and is a popular choice for family gatherings and celebrations.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork shoulders, Pork Butt, Pork Tenderloin or Pork belly: Choose pork with a bit of fat for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Green peas (fresh, frozen or canned): If using frozen peas, no need to thaw them before adding.
- Aromatics: Onion and Garlic
- Canned Tomato sauce and tomato paste
- Water or chicken broth: Chicken broth adds extra depth of flavor compared to water.
- Soy sauce: Opt for low sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
- Veggies: Potato and Red and/or Green Bell Pepper
- Fish sauce (optional): Adds a savory umami flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Beef powder or bullion
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and enhances overall flavor.
- Bay Leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil or any neutral oil.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Pork Guisantes
- Fry Potatoes: In a large pan or skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, frying until they are golden and slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Pork: In the same pan, add the pork pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add bay leaves.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water or chicken broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce (if using) and cook in medium high heat. Stir well to combine.
- Return the Pork: Add the browned pork back into the pan. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to lower heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork and vegetables are tender. Add the beef powder, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Peas and Bell Peppers: Stir in the green peas and diced bell peppers. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the bell peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy your Easy Pork and Green Peas (Filipino Guisantes) dish!
Variations
- Chicken and Green Peas: Swap pork with chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter protein option while keeping the dish hearty.
- Spicy Pork and Green Peas: Add chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the peas.
- Tomato-Free Version: Skip the tomato sauce and use soy sauce and calamansi for a savory, tangy twist.
- Vegetarian Guisantes: Replace pork with mushrooms or firm tofu, keeping the green peas as the star of this dish.
- Coconut Pork and Green Peas: Add coconut milk for a creamy, tropical spin on the classic guisantes recipe.
Pairing/ Side Dishes
- Steamed White Rice or Garlic Fried Rice: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Fresh Green Salad: Light and refreshing, dressed with vinaigrette.
- Pickled Papaya (Atchara): Adds a tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
- Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad): A traditional Filipino side dish that complements the dish well.
- Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino Spring Rolls): Crispy and savory appetizers that round out the meal.
- Pandesal: Soft Filipino bread rolls perfect for scooping up the saucy guisantes.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a citrus dressing balances the heartiness of guisantes.
- Munggo Guisado (Mung Bean Stew): A classic Filipino pairing for hearty meals, adding more protein and flavor.
Storage Instruction
To store Easy Pork and Green Peas (Filipino Guisantes), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving again. Avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.
Rose's Top Tip
Fry potatoes to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy while cooking, ensuring a delightful crunch in your dish.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute the pork with chicken or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
Absolutely! This dish can be made a day in advance. The flavors develop even more when it sits overnight in the refrigerator.
To add more heat, you can include sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes while cooking.
While not absolutely necessary, frying the potatoes and carrots first helps them maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy in the dish.
More Pork Recipes To Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Easy Pork and Green Peas Recipe (Filipino Guisantes)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or belly cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 Bay leaves
- 15 ounce tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce optional
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoon beef powder/ bouillon
- 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
- 1 large potato diced
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
- Fry Potatoes: In a large pan or skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes, frying until they are golden and slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Pork: In the same pan, add the pork pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add bay leaves.
- Add Tomato Sauce nd liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, , tomato paste, water or chicken broth, soy sauce, and fish sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Return the Pork: Add the browned pork back into the pan. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pork and vegetables are tender. Add the beef powder, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Peas and Bell Peppers: Stir in the green peas and diced bell peppers. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the bell peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy your Easy Pork and Green Peas (Filipino Guisantes) dish!
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