This Pork Spare Ribs Caldereta is a quick and easy Filipino dish, featuring tender ribs simmered in a rich, savory tomato sauce with a delightful blend of spices and vegetables.
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Pork Spare Ribs Caldereta / Kaldereta is a Filipino favorite that you’ll often find at home, during celebrations, in restaurants, or at potlucks.
It's known for its rich, savory flavor and has many regional twists that make it unique.
My mom always adds peanut butter to her Caldereta, giving the sauce a creamy touch. In other places, they use coconut milk (gata) for a tropical flair, while some chili to make it extra spicy.
This versatility reminds me of other beloved Filipino pork dishes. Take pork binagoongan, for instance, with its bold, savory kick from shrimp paste. Or pork guisantes, a tomato-based stew that’s both hearty and comforting. Then there’s menudo, a fiesta staple with tender pork and vibrant vegetables, and pork with coconut, a creamy dish that always pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
No matter how it's made, Pork Spare Ribs Caldereta is always a hit. Its comforting flavors and versatility make it a go-to dish across the Philippines, with each version telling its own delicious story.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Rich, Savory Flavors: Tender ribs simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato sauce.
- Versatile: Easily adapt it with peanut butter, coconut milk, or extra spices to suit your taste.
- Easy to Prepare: Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A dish that brings warmth and joy to every meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sure to become a favorite in your home!
What Is Caldereta?
Caldereta is a classic Filipino stew with Spanish roots, named after the Spanish word "caldera," which means cauldron.
This hearty dish features tender meat—like beef, goat meat, or pork—simmered in a rich tomato sauce with veggies and liver spread.
It’s a favorite at family gatherings and special occasions, known for its comforting and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
Here's what is needed:
- Pork spare ribs: Use well-marbled ribs for tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone after cooking. You can also use beef ribs.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic. Make sure to chop it finely to blend well with the sauce.
- Veggies: Red bell pepper, Green bell pepper, carrots and potatoes to adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish. You can also add green peas.
- Tomato sauce and paste: Forms the base of the rich, tangy sauce. Opt for a high-quality, smooth tomato sauce for the best flavor.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal flavor into the dish. Remove it before serving, as it can be tough to chew.
- Liver Spread: Give another layer of flavor and this also thickens our sauce.
- Beef powder, salt, fish sauce, and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning. Add gradually and taste frequently to balance the flavors. Add beef powder if you're using water instead of beef broth.
- Olives (optional): Provides a briny contrast and extra flavor. They can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Thai Chili peppers (optional): For extra kick
- Water or beef broth: Adds liquid to cook the ingredients and develop a flavorful sauce. Using beef broth will enhance the meaty flavor of the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Pork Ribs Caldereta?
- In a large pot or dutch pan, add oil and fry the potatoes until golden brown. Set aside.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the pork spare ribs and brown them on all sides to lock in the flavor.
- Add the liver spread, bay leaf, beef powder, salt, fish sauce, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If you prefer extra heat, add the Thai chili peppers.
What To Serve With This
- Steamed White Rice: A classic choice, providing a neutral base that soaks up the rich, savory sauce of the Caldereta.
- Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag): Adds a flavorful twist to your meal, with aromatic garlic and a hint of saltiness.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Light and crunchy, this side offers a fresh contrast to the hearty Caldereta.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn adds a sweet and savory element that pairs well with the stew.
- Pickled Vegetables: A tangy, crunchy side like atchara (pickled papaya) helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes with a light vinaigrette for a crisp, fresh contrast.
- Baguette or Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce and adding a bit of texture to your meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, these offer a comforting alternative to rice and complement the flavorful sauce.
Storage Instruction
To store leftover Pork Spare Ribs Caldereta, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy it at its best.
Top tip
For the best flavor and texture, make sure to brown the pork spare ribs thoroughly on all sides. Don't rush this process, as well-browned ribs will contribute significantly to the richness of your stew.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute pork spare ribs with beef ribs or even chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats will have different cooking durations to become tender.
Absolutely! After browning the ribs and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Yes, Pork Caldereta can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors often develop and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of green salad or steamed vegetables also complements the meal well.
Yes, feel free to customize the vegetable mix. You can add green beans, peas, or even mushrooms. Just ensure they are added at the appropriate time so they cook through without becoming mushy.
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel about 4-5 ripe tomatoes, then blend them until smooth to substitute for the canned tomato sauce. You might need to adjust the seasoning to balance the flavor.
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Recipe
Pork Spare Ribs Caldereta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 dutch pan, large pot
Ingredients
- 3 pounds St. Louis Style Pork spare ribs washed and pat dried, cut into about 2 inch
- 1 cup Onion chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 cups Red bell pepper and Green bell pepper choped
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 2 cups Potatoes cut into medium cubes
- 15 ounce Tomato sauce
- ⅓ cup Tomato paste
- 2 pieces Bay leaf
- 3 ounces Liver spread
- 1 tablespoon Beef powder
- 1 cup Water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Salt or Fish sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ cup Olives optional
- 3 Thai Chili peppers optional
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the pork spare ribs. Cut them into manageable piece.
- In a large pot or dutch pan, add oil and fry the potatoes until golden brown. Set aside.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the pork spare ribs and brown them on all sides to lock in the flavor.
- Add the liver spread, bay leaf, beef powder, salt, fish sauce, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. If you prefer extra heat, add the Thai chili peppers.
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