Pork Pata is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The pork hock, or pata, becomes incredibly tender after simmering for over an hour, absorbing the aromatic flavors of garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. The addition of white vinegar adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the pork, while the brown sugar introduces a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dish beautifully.
The dried banana flowers add a unique texture and a hint of earthiness, making each bite a complex and satisfying experience. The sauce, thickened by the slow cooking process, clings to the pork, ensuring that every mouthful is packed with flavor.
If you’re looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine, Pork Pata is a must-try dish. This savory and slightly sweet recipe is a true comfort food that brings together tender pork hock, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can recreate it at home.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Preparing Pork Pata might seem daunting at first, but with a few tips, you’ll find it quite manageable:
- Tenderness is Key: Make sure to simmer the pork pata until it’s tender. This step is crucial for achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so comforting.
- Flavor Infusion: For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the pork pata in vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves for a few hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Banana Flowers: If you can’t find dried banana flowers, fresh banana blossoms can be a good substitute. Alternatively, you can omit them if necessary, but they do add a unique touch to the dish.
Nutritional Insights
While Pork Pata is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Each serving provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients, but it also contains a fair amount of fat and sodium. Enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Serving Suggestions
Pork Pata is best enjoyed with steamed rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple salad to add some freshness to your meal.
Final Thoughts
Pork Pata is a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Filipino cooking. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Give this Pork Pata recipe a try and experience the delightful combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb Pork Pata (Pork Hock)
- 10 cloves Garlic, Crushed
- 1 pack Dried Banana Flowers
- 6 pcs Bay Leaves
- 1/2 cup White Vinegar
- 4 cups Water
- 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Pork Pata: Clean the pork pata thoroughly under running water.
- 2
Boil the Pork: In a large pot, add the pork pata and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the pork to remove impurities.
- 3
Cook the Pork: In the same pot, add the cleaned pork pata, garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and salt. Pour in the vinegar and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
- 4
Add Banana Flowers: Add the dried banana flowers and brown sugar to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Serve: Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
Notes
Tenderness: Ensure the pork pata is tender before adding the banana flowers. You can adjust the simmering time as needed.
Flavor: For a richer flavor, you can marinate the pork pata in vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves for a few hours before cooking.
Substitutions: If dried banana flowers are unavailable, you can use fresh banana blossoms or omit them.
Equipment
Equipment
- Large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Nutrition
Nutrition
| Calories | 350 |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
