How to Cook Delicious Pork Afritada Without Tomato Sauce

Pork afritada is a classic Filipino stew that is traditionally made with pork, tomato sauce, vegetables, and seasonings However, if you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, you can still make a flavorful version of this dish without it

In this article I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook pork afritada without tomato sauce. I’ll suggest alternative ingredients you can use provide tips to enhance the flavor, and recommend serving ideas to complement the dish. With this, you’ll learn how to recreate the rich taste of afritada minus the tomato sauce!

Overview of Pork Afritada

Afritada originates from the Spanish dish “fricasé”. It utilizes cubes of pork simmered in a tomato-based sauce along with potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and green peas. The dish has a sweet and sour flavor profile.

Traditionally, afritada makes use of banana ketchup or plain tomato sauce as its base. It brings a distinct sweet and tangy taste to the stew. However, even without it, you can still achieve a similar flavor.

Pork is the most common protein used, but you can also make afritada from chicken, beef, or seafood. It’s a versatile dish that works for any occasion – from everyday family meals to special celebrations.

Why Cook Afritada Without Tomato Sauce?

There are several reasons why you may want to omit tomato sauce when cooking pork afritada:

• You want to reduce the acidity for health reasons
• Tomato sauce is not readily available
• You want to put a twist on the classic recipe
• You or someone you’re cooking for has an allergy/intolerance
• You simply want to experiment with different flavors

The good news is, you don’t have to skip making afritada altogether if you don’t have tomato sauce. With a few easy substitutions, you can make a tasty version without it!

Step-by-Step Guide on Preparing Tomato-Less Afritada

Follow these simple steps to cook pork afritada sans the tomato sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork shoulder or belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or pork broth
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the pork cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Saute onion and garlic in the same pot until fragrant.

3. Add chicken/pork broth, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and bay leaf. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Return the pork cubes to the pot and add potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until pork is tender.

6. Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve with steamed rice on the side. Enjoy!

Tomato Sauce Substitutes for Afritada

Aside from the broth-soy sauce-vinegar mixture, there are other ingredients you can use in place of tomato sauce when making afritada:

• Diced tomatoes – Use fresh or canned diced tomatoes. They provide texture and tomato flavor.

• Tomato paste – Adds body and a concentrated tomato taste. Dilute with broth as needed.

• Banana ketchup – It has sweetness similar to tomato sauce. Add a bit of vinegar for tanginess.

• Oyster sauce – Brings a sweet, salty flavor. Combine with soy sauce and broth.

• Peanut sauce – A creamy, nutty flavor profile. Mix with broth, sugar, and vinegar.

• Coconut milk – Provides a rich, creamy base for the stew. Blend with aromatics and seasonings.

Experiment with combinations to find a tomato-less sauce that suits your preferences. The key is using ingredients that can mimic the sweet-sour tomato flavor.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor Without Tomato Sauce

To make your no-tomato pork afritada extra delicious, here are some useful tips:

• Sear the pork before simmering to add deeper, roasted flavor

• Saute the aromatics like garlic, onions, and peppers to release their flavors

• Use flavorful broths like chicken, beef, or pork to infuse taste

• Add whole spices and herbs like bay leaves, peppercorns, and cilantro

• Splash with vinegar near the end to brighten up the flavors

• Simmer uncovered towards the end to reduce and concentrate the sauce

• Season judiciously with soy sauce, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar

Taking the time to build complex layers of flavor will make up for the lack of tomato sauce and produce one tasty afritada!

Serving Suggestions for Tomato-Free Afritada

This pork afritada sans tomato sauce is delicious on its own, but here are some serving ideas to take it up a notch:

• Serve with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

• Garnish with calamansi or lemon wedges to add brightness and acidity.

• Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

• Enjoy with a bowl of sinangag or garlic fried rice to soak up the savory sauce.

• For additional texture, top with chicharon or fried pork rind.

• Add a fried egg on top of the rice and afritada for a complete, hearty meal.

• For a creamy contrast, serve with a side of fresh mango or avocado salad.

With any of these pairings, your tomato-free pork afritada will be an irresistible dish!

You can absolutely cook delicious pork afritada without using tomato sauce. With the right substitute ingredients and flavor-boosting techniques, you can recreate the sweet-sour taste of the original dish.

Follow the steps above for making afritada using a broth-soy sauce-vinegar mixture in place of tomato sauce. Browning the pork, sauteeing aromatics, and seasoning properly will pack lots of flavor. Serve with any of the suggested sides for a well-rounded meal.

So next time tomato sauce is not an option, don’t skip making afritada. With a few adaptations, you can enjoy this Filipino favorite using what you have on hand!