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Pork Giniling

Pork giniling is a Filipino comfort food that transforms ground pork into a savory, slightly sweet dish loaded with vegetables and spices. This quick weeknight dinner comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers bold flavor that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Filipino
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds ground pork
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 1 large carrot peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small bowl for mixing aromatics

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about one minute.
  2. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, then stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  3. Add the 2 pounds of ground pork to the skillet and break it into small pieces with your wooden spoon as it cooks.
  4. Stir frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until the pork is no longer pink and has developed a light brown color on the edges.
  5. If the pork released a large pool of fat, tilt the skillet and carefully spoon off some of the excess oil, leaving a little fat for flavor.
  6. Stir in the diced potatoes and carrots, mixing well to coat them with the pork and oil.
  7. Let the potatoes and carrots cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to slightly caramelize the cut surfaces.
  8. Add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup water.
  9. Stir everything together until seasonings are evenly distributed.
  10. Reduce heat to medium and let the dish simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the liquid reduces slightly.
  11. Add 1 cup frozen peas and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
  12. Taste and adjust salt and seasonings as desired.
  13. Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork giniling rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cut your potatoes into small, consistent cubes roughly the size of peas so they cook through evenly. Serve over warm jasmine or white rice to soak up the sauce. Adjust soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to match your taste preferences.