The Best Pork Cuts for Adobo, Sinigang, and Menudo
Pork is at the heart of many Filipino dishes, from slow-simmered adobo to crispy liempo. Choosing the right cut can make a world of difference in flavor, texture, and overall cooking results. In this guide, we’ll focus on three iconic cuts—pork kasim, pigue, and liempo—and how you can prepare them for your favorite recipes.
Whether you’re shopping at your local meat shop or ordering from TenderBites for pick-up at Unimart Greenhills, Unimart at Capitol Commons, or The Marketplace Rockwell, understanding these cuts will help you bring out the best in your home-cooked meals.
Pork Kasim: Flavor and Tenderness in One Cut
Kasim comes from the shoulder section of the pig. This part is known for its balance of meat, fat, and connective tissue, which makes it incredibly versatile. When slow-cooked, pork kasim becomes tender and juicy, with just enough fat to enhance flavor without being greasy.
Best For:
- Adobo – The marbling in kasim allows it to soak up the savoury-sour sauce beautifully.
- Menudo – The meat stays moist even with the long simmering time.
- Sinigang – Adds richness to the tangy broth.
Cooking Notes:
- Cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Simmer over low heat to break down the connective tissue for maximum tenderness.
- Avoid high-heat frying for extended periods, as it can make the meat tough.
At TenderBites, our premium choice meat shop offers fresh pork kasim cut options ideal for everyday dishes and special feasts.
Pigue: The Leaner Choice
Pigue, or pigue pork, is taken from the leg or ham portion. This cut is leaner than kasim, with less marbling and fat. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor.
Best For:
- Pork hamonado – The lean meat absorbs sweet-savory marinades well.
- Afritada – Maintains structure in tomato-based sauces.
- Pork tapa – Thin slices marinate and cook quickly for an easy breakfast or baon option.
Cooking Notes:
- Because pigue pork is leaner, it benefits from marinades that help keep it moist.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Braising and stewing help tenderise the cut while keeping it flavorful.
TenderBites’ lean pork selection includes pigue prepared and portioned for various Filipino recipes, ready for pick-up or delivery from our branches at Unimart and The Marketplace Rockwell.
Liempo: The Crowd Favorite
Liempo, or pork belly, is a staple in many Filipino households. Known for its rich layers of fat and meat, it’s the go-to cut for crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed dishes.
Best For:
- Lechon kawali – Deep-fried to a golden crisp with tender meat inside.
- Inihaw na liempo – Grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma.
- Pork sinigang – The fat adds depth to the sour broth.
Cooking Notes:
- Score the skin before roasting or frying to achieve crispy crackling.
- Marinate before grilling to infuse flavour deep into the meat.
- Rest the meat before slicing to retain juices.
At TenderBites, our premium choice meat shop ensures your liempo is cut evenly for consistent cooking results, whether you’re roasting, frying, or grilling.
Kasim vs. Pigue: Which One Should You Use?
While pork kasim and pigue can be interchangeable in some recipes, there are differences to keep in mind:
- Kasim: More marbling, richer flavour, ideal for slow cooking.
- Pigue: Leaner, better for dishes where you want less fat.
For example, pique vs. kasim in adobo: kasim will give you a richer, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while pigue will deliver a cleaner, meatier bite.
Cooking Tips for Pork Cuts
No matter which cut you choose, these tips will help you get the most out of your pork:
- Match the Cut to the Cooking Method – Tougher, fattier cuts like kasim do best in slow-cooked dishes, while leaner cuts like pigue suit quick cooking.
- Season Well – Pork benefits from bold seasonings like garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi, and pepper.
- Mind the Heat – Use low to medium heat for tender results, especially with thicker cuts.
- Rest Before Serving – Allow meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep juices intact.
TenderBites’ Product Picks
At TenderBites, we make it easy to choose the right cut for your next Filipino meal. Whether you’re visiting our meat shop in Unimart Greenhills, Unimart at Capitol Commons, or The Marketplace Rockwell, or ordering online from our premium choice meat shop, here’s what we recommend:
- For Adobo or Menudo: Fresh pork kasim cut
- For Hamonado or Afritada: Sliced pigue pork
- For Lechon Kawali or Inihaw: Premium liempo cuts
You can also find lean pork options for healthier cooking, all prepared with safe handling practices to ensure freshness.
Why Buy from TenderBites?
When it comes to pork, freshness and proper handling matter as much as the cut itself. At TenderBites, we take pride in offering:
- Custom cuts based on your recipe needs
- Freshness guaranteed through safe handling and storage
- Convenient pick-up at Unimart Greenhills, Unimart at Capitol Commons, and The Marketplace Rockwell
- Online ordering for hassle-free delivery straight to your kitchen
By sourcing your kasim, pigue, and liempo from a trusted supplier, you can confidently prepare your favorite dishes without worrying about quality.
Bring Your Filipino Dishes to Life
Whether it’s the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pork kasim, the lean bite of pigue pork, or the rich, indulgent taste of liempo, the right pork cut can make your dishes truly shine.
With TenderBites’ curated selection and expert cutting services, you can easily get the perfect pork cut for any recipe, whether you’re cooking for a simple family dinner or a weekend feast.
Ready to start cooking? Visit our meat shop at Unimart Greenhills, Unimart at Capitol Commons, or The Marketplace Rockwell, or order online from our premium choice meat shop today and enjoy the convenience of having fresh pork delivered to your doorstep.
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Pigue - Skin-On₱619.00
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28 August 2025Your Guide to Delicious Dishes with Versatile Kasim Pork
In Filipino households, pork is a staple that finds its way into countless dishes, from savory stews to comforting soups. Among the many pork cuts available, kasim (also known as pork shoulder cut or pork butt) stands out as a top choice for its balance of flavor, tenderness, and value. Whether you're preparing a family favorite like adobo or experimenting with new recipes, pork kasim delivers dependable results without breaking the budget. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes pork kasim so popular in the Philippines, the different ways you can cook it, and why it’s a smart pick for your everyday meals, especially when sourced from a reliable meat shop like TenderBites. What is Kasim Pork? Kasim comes from the shoulder area of the pig, just above the front leg. It’s a well-exercised part of the animal, which means the meat has plenty of connective tissue, marbling, and natural flavor. Unlike leaner cuts that can dry out quickly, kasim stays moist and tender during long cooking times, making it ideal for a wide range of dishes. Because it’s more affordable than pork loin or ribs, kasim is often the go-to for bulk cooking, everyday meals, and gatherings. It delivers both taste and value in every bite. Cooking with Kasim: Classic and Creative Dishes One of kasim’s best qualities is its versatility. Whether you're cooking it low and slow or giving it a quick stir-fry, this cut adapts well to different techniques and flavors. Here are a few tried-and-tested dishes you can make with kasim: Adobo A Filipino classic, pork adobo is perhaps the most beloved way to cook kasim. The combination of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves brings out the deep flavor of the meat. Thanks to kasim’s marbling, the pork becomes tender and juicy after simmering, soaking up the savory-sour sauce beautifully. Tip: For an extra-rich adobo, brown the kasim pieces first before simmering. This adds depth and a slightly caramelized edge to the dish. Sinigang If you're craving something comforting and sour, sinigang na baboy with kasim is the perfect choice. The slow simmering process tenderizes the pork while infusing the broth with its rich flavor. Pair it with vegetables like kangkong, labanos, and sitaw for a hearty, well-rounded meal. Tip: Cut the kasim into medium-sized chunks to strike the right balance between meatiness and tenderness. Stir-Fries While kasim is often reserved for slow-cooked dishes, it can also shine in quick stir-fries. Just slice it thinly against the grain and marinate briefly for flavor. Stir-fried kasim with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a mix of vegetables is a great weeknight dinner that's easy to whip up. Tip: Look for our skinless kasim cuts, which are perfect for stir-fry recipes and help reduce prep time. Pork Sukiyaki (Filipino Twist) Who says kasim is only for traditional Filipino dishes? You can get creative by incorporating it into dishes like pork sukiyaki. While the classic Japanese version uses thinly sliced beef, a local twist using thinly sliced kasim brings the same savory-sweet satisfaction at a lower cost. Simmer it in a broth made with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, and serve it with mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables. Tip: Ask your butcher to slice your pork kasim cut thinly for hotpot or sukiyaki-style cooking. Grilled or Skewered Kasim is also a popular choice for grilled dishes, such as pork barbecue skewers. Its natural fat helps keep the meat juicy on the grill. Just marinate the chunks in your favorite barbecue mix and grill until caramelized and lightly charred. Practical Tips for Preparing Pork Kasim Cooking with kasim doesn’t require much to make it taste great, but here are a few helpful tips: Trim excess fat if needed, but don’t remove all of it. The fat adds flavor and moisture. Marinate the meat to enhance its flavor, especially when using it in grilled or stir-fried recipes. Cut against the grain for stir-fry or grilled recipes to make the meat more tender and succulent. Use the right size cuts—larger chunks for stews, thinner slices for quick cooking methods. Cook low and slow for dishes like adobo, sinigang, and braised recipes to break down connective tissue and make the meat tender enough to be fork-tender. Why Buy Kasim Pork from TenderBites? When it comes to making the most of your kasim, quality matters. At TenderBites, we offer fresh, locally sourced pork kasim cuts that are perfect for home cooking. Whether you need them chunked, sliced, or skinless, we’ve got you covered with consistent quality and expert butchery. Ordering from TenderBites means: Custom cuts based on your recipe needs Vacuum-sealed freshness for longer shelf life Convenient same-day or scheduled delivery Trustworthy customer service for a smooth shopping experience Whether you're cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or preparing for a get-together, pork kasim is a dependable and flavorful choice. Its balance of tenderness, richness, and affordability makes it a staple in Filipino kitchens, as well as a true cooking essential. With so many ways to prepare it—from adobo and sinigang to stir-fries and even sukiyaki—there’s always a reason to keep kasim on your grocery list. Ready to stock up? Shop high-quality pork kasim cuts from TenderBites today and enjoy versatile, satisfying meals all week long. -
24 September 2025Pork Kasim in Tagalog Cuisine: Traditional Dishes You Should Try
When it comes to Filipino home cooking, one meat cut stands out for its versatility, flavor, and tenderness: pork kasim. Found in countless local dishes, kasim has earned its place as a pantry staple across generations. Whether you're simmering a comforting bowl of sinigang or preparing a flavorful adobo, the kasim part of pork is often the go-to choice for its balance of lean meat and fat.
In this blog, we’re diving into the beloved pork kasim cut and showcasing why it’s a favorite in many Filipino households. You’ll also learn where to get high-quality kasim for your next dish, from TenderBites' premium choice meat shop locations such as Unimart at Capitol Commons, The Marketplace Rockwell, or even through our online store.