Name: Filipino Sweet Cured Pork
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Sugar (Brown sugar is preferred for depth of flavor.); 1/4 cup Rock Salt (Can substitute with sea salt, adjust amount.); 6 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium version recommended.); 1 1/2 tablespoons Minced Garlic (Add more for a bolder garlic flavor.); 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper (Use freshly cracked for more heat.); 3 tablespoons Pineapple Juice (Substitute with orange juice if preferred.); 2 tablespoons Annatto Water (Optional, for color and subtle flavor.); 2 lbs Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt (Thinly sliced for best flavor.); 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (Can substitute with canola or olive oil.); 1/4 cup Water (To help steam the pork.)

This Filipino Sweet Cured Pork comes together in about 30 minutes and is expertly prepared in just one pan! It’s a quick dinner that your family will absolutely love! Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a dish that delivers tons of flavor without a lot of fuss. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or use it as a fun way to clean out the fridge!

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s dive into what you need to make this amazing Filipino Sweet Cured Pork!

Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt : 2 lbs
Sugar : 1 cup
Rock Salt : 1/4 cup
Soy Sauce : 6 tablespoons
Minced Garlic : 1 1/2 tablespoons
Ground Black Pepper : 1 1/2 teaspoons
Pineapple Juice : 3 tablespoons
Annatto Water : 2 tablespoons
Vegetable Oil : 1 tablespoon
Water : 1/4 cup

How to Make Filipino Sweet Cured Pork

Alright, let’s get started. Gather your ingredients and follow my lead…

Mix Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup rock salt, 6 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, 3 tablespoons pineapple juice, and 2 tablespoons annatto water. Mix it all up until the sugar and salt are dissolved. It smells amazing already, right?
Marinate the Pork: Next, add 2 lbs of thinly sliced pork into that yummy marinade. Get in there with your hands (washed of course!) and make sure every piece is coated. Cover it up tightly with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a sealed container. Pop it in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 24 to 48 hours if you can trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Cooking Time: After your pork has marinated, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the marinated pork (don’t forget to add a bit of the marinade too). I like to add about 1/4 cup of water into the pan, this helps the pork cook through without burning and creates a little steam action!
Let It Cook: Bring it to a boil, then cover and let it cook! You’ll want to watch and stir occasionally until the liquid has evaporated. It’s almost magical how the flavors develop.
Add Oil and Brown: Now, add your 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and keep cooking the pork. Toss and turn that meat occasionally until it’s nicely caramelized and cooked through, it should take about 10-15 more minutes.
Serving Up: Serve your Filipino Sweet Cured Pork hot! It pairs beautifully with steamed rice and fried eggs for that traditional Filipino breakfast experience. Seriously, it’s a game changer!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for comfort food that’s also quick. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket? It brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile! You can throw in whatever you have on hand or switch things up based on your mood. The flavor is just insanely good, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

If you loved this Filipino Sweet Cured Pork, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas, my Pork Fried Rice, or my Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Budget-Friendly

Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. You probably have some of these ingredients at home already!

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor, this dish brings the warmth and coziness that everyone craves at the end of a long day. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce your family to new ethnic cuisines!

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have. Don’t have pineapple juice? Orange juice works too! Want some heat? Add some chili flakes. It’s all about using what’s on hand and making it your own!

Make-Ahead Friendly

Great for meal prep! Marinate the pork on the weekend and cook it up whenever you’re ready during the week. You’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!

How to Serve Filipino Sweet Cured Pork

So many ways to enjoy this dish! Here are my favorites:

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Filipino Sweet Cured Pork with:

Steamed rice for soaking up that savory sauce
Fried eggs for breakfast or brunch!
Stir-fried vegetables for some added crunch and nutrition

Storage

This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or reheat it in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Freezer Friendly?

Yes! You can freeze the marinated pork before cooking. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking!

A Note on Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret! This dish tastes amazing on day two and even gets better as flavors meld together.

Food is really about bringing people together, you know? I’m always jazzed to see my family make their own variations of this recipe, and that’s what makes it so special.

There you have it, my friends! I hope you’re as excited about making this Filipino Sweet Cured Pork as I am. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!