Pork Pata Humba Deliciously Rushed (2024)

Impress your family and friends with this easy and satisfying Pork Pata Humba! This Filipino dish boasts caramelized pork belly in a rich and tangy sauce, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Pork Humba, a beloved Filipino dish, is traditionally made with pork belly. However, using pork hock adds a unique twist, infusing the stew with rich, meaty flavors and a luscious texture. This humble yet hearty recipe brings together tender pork hock, savory black beans, fragrant garlic, and tangy pineapple juice, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every bite.

🍲What is Humba?

The term "Humba" is derived from the Chinese word "hong-ba," which means braised pork belly. It reflects the Chinese influence on Filipino cuisine, particularly in regions with significant Chinese communities.

📖What is Pork Hock?

Pork hock, also known as pork knuckle or ham hock, is a flavorful and tender cut of meat from the pig's leg joint, prized for its rich flavor and succulent texture, often used in soups, stews, and braised dishes for its depth of flavor and ability to become tender when cooked low and slow.

💡Why did I opt for pork hock instead of pork belly?

Pork hock was chosen for the recipe due to its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked, allowing it to absorb the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce while providing a satisfyingly meaty bite, offering a delightful variation from the traditional pork belly.

🥘Ingredients

1. Pork Belly or Hock: Pork belly or hock is chosen for its rich flavor and tender texture.
2. Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: This savory umami powerhouse!
3. Black Beans or Fermented Black Beans: These earthy legumes or their fermented counterparts contribute depth and richness to the dish.
4. Garlic and Onion: These aromatic ingredients form the flavor base of our dish, adding depth and complexity to the sauce.
5. Pineapple Tidbits and Juice: A touch of sweetness from pineapple balances out the savory and tangy flavors in this dish.
6. Vinegar (cane vinegar): This provides the signature tanginess and acidic note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
7. Dried Banana Blossoms: These unique and delicate blossoms add a subtle floral aroma and a tender texture.
8. Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness!
9. Beef Cube: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
10. Pepper Corns - Contribute a subtle heat and peppery flavor to the dish.
11. Bay Leaves and Star Anise These aromatic that leaves add a subtle herbal note and warmth to this dish!
12. Cooking Oil: A neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil for browning the meat.

🔪How to Cook Humba?

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients - pork belly or hock, soy sauce, black beans or fermented black beans, garlic, onion, pineapple juice, dried banana blossoms, brown sugar, bay leaves, star anise, pepper corns, vinegar (cane vinegar), beef cube, and cooking oil.
2. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, marinate the pork belly or hock with soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
4. Brown the Pork: Add the marinated pork belly or hock to the pot, reserving the marinade. Brown the pork on all sides until it develops a rich golden color.
5. Simmer with Sauce: Pour in the reserved marinade, along with the beef cube, black beans or fermented black beans, pineapple juice, pepper corns, star anise and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the Pork Humba simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
7. Add Dried Banana Blossoms: About 30 minutes before the Pork Humba is done cooking, add the dried banana blossoms to the pot. This allows them to rehydrate and infuse their flavors into the dish.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Pork Humba and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional soy sauce and vinegar, if needed, to suit your taste preferences.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaves and serve the Pork Humba hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired, and enjoy the rich and flavorful dish!

🍚Pairings

1. Steamed White Rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the rich and savory sauce of Humba.
2. Pickled Papaya Salad (Atchara): The tangy and slightly sweet flavors of Atchara provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty Humba.
3. Stir-fried Bok Choy: Lightly seasoned bok choy adds a fresh and crunchy element to balance out the richness of Humba.
4. Garlic Fried Rice: Fragrant garlic fried rice makes a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs well with the bold flavors of Humba.
5. Steamed Vegetables: A medley of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas adds color and nutrition to your meal while offering a light counterpart to the hearty Humba.

❓FAQ

Did you enjoy this recipe? Explore other timeless comfort dishes such as Chicken Adobo, Pineapple Chicken, Chicken Inasal, Braised Oxtails, and Pork Binagoongan for more delicious culinary adventures!

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