Pork Binagoongan with Talong is a classic Filipino comfort food made with tender pork belly simmered in a rich, savory shrimp paste sauce and paired with fried eggplant. This hearty dish is packed with bold umami flavors and is best served with steaming hot rice. Perfect for family meals, it's an easy and satisfying recipe that brings authentic Filipino flavors to your table.
Cut the eggplants into serving pieces and soak them in water to prevent discoloration.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the eggplants until lightly browned and tender. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
In the same pan, sear the pork belly over medium heat until lightly browned and some of the fat has rendered. Remove the pork and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan.
Sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened.
Add the sautéed shrimp paste and cook for about 1 minute while stirring.
Return the seared pork to the pan. Season with ground black pepper and pour in the water. Stir well.
Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the pork becomes tender. Add more water if necessary during cooking.
Once the pork is tender, add the green chilies (if using) and the fried eggplants. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot with freshly steamed rice.
Notes
Searing the pork before simmering develops a richer flavor and helps render excess fat.
If using fresh shrimp paste (alamang) instead of sautéed shrimp paste, rinse it first to reduce saltiness, sauté it a little longer, and add 1 teaspoon sugar to balance the flavors.
Avoid adding extra salt until you've tasted the finished dish, as shrimp paste is naturally salty.
Eggplant is optional but highly recommended because it absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
For a richer variation, replace part of the water with ½ cup coconut cream for a creamy Pork Binagoongan with Gata.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.