Delectable Eggplant with Pork Recipe

Dive into the rich and delicious world of Filipino cuisine with our Bagoongang Eggplant with Pork Recipe. The dish combines soft eggplant and juicy pork belly all covered in a delicious shrimp sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings the true taste of the Philippines to your table.

Binagoongan, a beloved Filipino dish, is a symphony of flavors that tantalizes taste buds and warms the soul. This dish, featuring eggplant (talong) cooked in a rich, savory shrimp paste (bagoong) sauce, is a testament to the country’s culinary heritage. Its origins can be traced back to the rural kitchens of the Philippines, where resourceful cooks transformed simple ingredients into a delightful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2pieces large eggplant sliced
500 pork belly cut into bite-sized pieces
3tablespoon shrimp paste (bagoong)
2cloves garlic minced
1medium onion chopped
1medium tomatoes chopped
1tablespoon vinegar
1tablespoon sugar
1cup water
Cooking oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green and red chili (optional) chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the eggplant

Slice the eggplant into rounds and soak them in water with a pinch of salt to prevent discoloration. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Pork

In a large pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the pork belly and cook until they are browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Saute Aromatics

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then saute the garlic and onions until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook until they soften.

4. Combine with Shrimp paste

Stir in the shrimp paste (bagoong) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the vinegar and let it simmer for a few minutes without stirring. Add the suagr and water,, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Cook the Eggplant

Add the eggplant slices to the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Cover and let it simmer until the eggplant is tender, about 19-15 minute.

7. Reintroduce the Pork

Return the cooked pork belly to the pan and mix well. Allow everything to cook together for another 5 minutes. letting the flavors meld.

8. Season and serve

Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. garnish with chopped green and red chilies if desired, Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips

For a healthier version, you can use lean pork cuts instead of pork belly.
Adjust the amount of shrimp paste based on your preferrence for saltiness.
If you’re sensitive to the strong aroma of shrimp paste (bagoong), try sauteing it longer to mellow the smell.

Binagoongang Eggplant with Pork is a must-try for anyone who loves Filipino food or is looking to explore new, flavorful dishes. Its balance of savory, sweet and umami makes it a standout meal that’s sure to impress.