If adobo had a sweeter, more indulgent cousin, it would be humba. This beloved Visayan dish brings together tender pork belly, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fermented black beans in a slow-cooked symphony of flavor. But humba isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of Filipino comfort food, often served during fiestas, family gatherings, or quiet Sundays when you crave something rich and soul-satisfying.

In this post, we’ll walk you through a tried-and-true humba recipe that balances sweetness, saltiness, and that unmistakable umami punch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this dish is sure to earn a spot in your comfort food hall of fame.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 1 can (6 oz) tausi (fermented black beans), rinsed & drained
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 oz dried banana blossoms (puso ng saging)
• 1 pc small onion, sliced thinly
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup pineapple juice (not syrup)
• ¼ cup vinegar
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil

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Cooking Procedures:

Step 1

Marinate pork in vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Step 2

Drain pork, reserving marinade.

Step 3

In a wide pot, sauté onion and garlic in oil until softened. Add pork and cook until lightly browned.

Step 4

Pour in reserved marinade and boil for 2–3 minutes (don’t stir).

Step 5

Add peppercorns, bay leaves, tausi, pineapple chunks, and banana blossoms. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Lower heat, cover, and simmer until pork is tender.

Step 7

Add brown sugar and salt to taste. Continue cooking until sauce reduces and fat renders.

Step 8

Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy your Humba!

💡 Humba cooking tips:

• Don’t over-marinate—acidic ingredients can break down pork texture.
• Rinse tausi well to reduce saltiness.
• Cook low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

“Filipino cuisine is the best-kept secret of Asia.”

– Doreen Fernandez

Try this delicious recipe too: Pinoy Pork Adobo Recipe

Watch easy-to-follow cooking videos related to this recipe:

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