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How to Cook Pocherong Alfonso

Pocherong Alfonso is a rich and flavorful Caviteño pork dish, distinguished by its tangy-sweet sauce and simplicity, with bell peppers as its only vegetable.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Pork Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: alfonso cavite, pocherong alfonso
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 311kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo pork butt or shoulder cut into large cubes
  • 1 cup banana ketchup
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 to 2 pcs red bell peppers sliced into strips
  • 1 Tbsp. pickle relish
  • 12 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pcs onions chopped
  • 2 pcs kalamansi extract the juice
  • 3 Tbsp. margarine
  • 1 Tbsp. patis
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

How to Cook Pocherong Alfonso:

  • Slice the pork into large cubes. Put in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add in the marinade ingredients in the bowl: soy sauce, banana ketchup, pineapple juice, tomato sauce, pickle relish, half of garlic, half of onions, bell peppers, kalamansi, salt and pepper.
  • Stir all the ingredients in the bowl then cover and marinate for 1 hour.
  • In a pot or wok, melt the margarine and saute the remaining garlic and onions until onions are soft.
  • Then add in the marinated pork with the marinade. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour or until the pork tender.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Marinate the Pork for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the pork is essential to achieve the bold, savory-sweet flavors of the dish. Allow the pork to sit in the marinade for at least an hour to let the pineapple juice, soy sauce, and spices fully penetrate the meat. This step ensures the pork stays tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Use Margarine for a Richer Sauce

Sautéing garlic and onions in margarine instead of oil adds a subtle creaminess to the dish, elevating the overall flavor profile. The margarine also helps bind the sauce, creating a glossy texture that clings beautifully to the pork. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in the richness of the sauce.

Simmer Low and Slow for Tender Pork

Cooking the marinated pork over low heat allows the flavors to meld and ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Avoid rushing this step, as the slow simmering process also thickens the sauce naturally. The result is a dish that’s perfectly cooked with layers of deep, comforting flavor.