Old-Fashioned Nilagang Baboy Recipe (Filipino Pork Belly Soup)

Nilagang baboy is one of those dishes that delivers the familiar taste of traditional Filipino home cooking. It’s a Filipino pork soup made by gently boiling meat until tender, then adding vegetables to create a hearty, all-in-one pot of goodness. Give this easy nilagang baboy recipe a try and serve a warm, comforting bowl the whole family will enjoy.

60 MINS

Cooking Time
Easy

Difficulty
15 MINS

Prep Time
4 People

Serves

4 tablespoons cooking oil
1 piece onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
500 grams ground pork
2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 pieces Knorr Pork Cubes
1 tablespoon dried basil
500 grams spaghetti noodles (cooked according to package directions)
fresh basil (chopped), for garnish
grated cheese, for garnish

Build the Broth Time: 15 minutes Place water, onions, pork, and Knorr Pork Cubes in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Skim off any scum that rises. Tip: Removing impurities early helps maintain a clean, clear broth.
Simmer Pork Until Tender Time: 55 minutes Lower heat and simmer until the pork becomes fork-tender. Add potatoes halfway through cooking so they soften without breaking apart. Tip: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to avoid a cloudy broth.
Add the Greens Time: 5 minutes Add pechay and bok choy. Simmer just until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. Serve hot. Tip: Leafy greens cook quickly, so avoid overcooking to keep their color and texture.

Amount per Serving

Nutritional values	Amount per Serving
Energy (kcal)	73.41 kcal
Protein (g)	2.14 g
Sugar (g)	1.89 g
Fat (g)	0.13 g
Fibre (g)	2.25 g

What Is Nilagang Baboy?

Nilagang baboy is a traditional Filipino soup built on a clear broth simmered with tender pork and vegetables. The dish relies on slow simmering for flavor, allowing the natural richness of the pork to infuse the broth. Many Filipino families cook it whenever they crave something warm and nourishing because it uses simple ingredients and requires no complicated techniques.

Key Ingredients of Nilagang Baboy

The heart of nilagang baboy is the pork – liempo works best because its meat and fat keep the broth flavorful and the meat tender after simmering. Knorr Pork Cubes help deepen the savory flavor of the broth while keeping the taste consistent. For added heft, include potatoes or sweet potatoes, which absorb the savory broth well. Corn brings gentle sweetness, while pechay and bok choy add freshness and color.

How to Serve Pork Nilaga

Nilagang baboy is best served hot, with plenty of broth ladled into each bowl. Most Filipino families pair it with steamed rice and fried fish, turning it into a complete meal. For extra flavor, serve it with fish sauce, calamansi, and chilies on the side.

How to Store Nilagang Baboy

Got leftovers? Store the broth and meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This lets the flavors absorb overnight, resulting in a richer, more indulgent dish the next day.