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pork asado plate

Easy Filipino Pork Asado Recipe

This Filipino pork asado is a dish made by simmering pork in a sweet and savory sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and spices until the meat becomes tender and full of flavor. Unlike asado from other countries, Filipino pork asado is usually cooked in a rich sauce and served with steamed white rice. It has a balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that make it beginner-friendly. The sauce is thick and glossy, perfect to put over hot rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilogram pork tenderloin
  • 1 tablespoon chicken broth powder or 2 crushed chicken cubes
  • 4 cups Coca-Cola
  • ¼ cup oyster sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 to 2 star anise
  • Ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Green onions chopped
Optional (but highly recommended)
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Method
 

  1. Rub the pork tenderloin with chicken broth powder or crushed cubes. Massage the seasoning well into the meat.
  2. Place the pork in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the pork for about 5 minutes until lightly browned on the outside.
  4. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving just a little behind. Pour in the Coca-Cola, oyster sauce, bay leaves, and star anise.
  5. Return the pork to the pan and sprinkle with black pepper. Cover and bring to a boil.
  6. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the pork becomes very tender.
  7. Remove the lid and continue simmering until the sauce thickens and caramelizes beautifully.
  8. Transfer the pork to a serving plate, slice into pieces, and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Don't rush the simmering process. Low and slow cooking is what gives the pork that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If the sauce reduces too quickly, just add a little more Coke or water.
Try not to skip the searing step either. Browning the pork first gives the dish a deeper flavor and color. If you want an even thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Also, trust me on the star anise. Even just one piece gives this dish that classic asado smell that you will love!

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