How to Make Bopis: A Spicy and Flavorful Filipino Dish

Bopis is a popular Filipino dish known for its bold, spicy flavors and unique combination of pork lungs and heart. It is often served as a pulutan (beer match) or a hearty main dish paired with rice. This recipe will guide you through making an authentic bopis with proper ingredients, cooking techniques, and expert tips for a flavorful experience.

What is Bopis?

Bopis is a traditional Filipino dish made from minced pork lungs, heart, and other offal, sautéed with garlic, onions, and chili peppers. The dish is known for its slightly tangy and spicy taste, often flavored with vinegar, bay leaves, and annatto oil.

Ingredients

To make an authentic bopis recipe, you will need:

• 500g pork lungs, finely chopped
• 300g pork heart, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons annatto oil
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1-2 pieces bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons atsuete (annatto) powder
• 1 medium carrot, finely chopped (optional)
• 2-3 pieces red chilies, chopped
• 1 cup water or pork broth
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Offal

1. Wash the pork lungs and heart thoroughly under running water.
2. Boil them in a pot of water for about 30-40 minutes to remove impurities and reduce the strong odor.
3. Once cooked, allow them to cool, then finely chop into small pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat annatto oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add chopped pork lungs and heart, stirring well to combine.
4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is slightly browned.

Step 3: Flavor the Bopis

1. Pour in vinegar and let it simmer without stirring for about 5 minutes to enhance the tangy flavor.
2. Add soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
3. Stir in chopped red chilies, bay leaves, and atsuete powder for color and spice.
4. Mix well and let it cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

1. Add water or pork broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in chopped carrots and green bell peppers for additional texture and color.
3. Let it cook for another 5 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Bopis Recipe

• Use fresh pork offal: Fresh ingredients result in better taste and texture.
• Pre-boil the offal: This removes the strong odor and makes the meat easier to cook.
• Adjust spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chilies.
• Enhance with atsuete oil: This adds a rich color and slight nutty flavor to the dish.
• Allow vinegar to simmer: Letting it cook without stirring enhances its tangy flavor.

Health Benefits of Bopis

Bopis is rich in protein and essential vitamins like iron, B vitamins, and zinc, which are beneficial for overall health. However, it is best consumed in moderation due to its high cholesterol content.

Bopis FAQs

Conclusion

Bopis is a must-try Filipino dish, perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors. With this authentic bopis recipe, you can now prepare this traditional dish at home with ease. Serve it with rice or enjoy it as pulutan with friends and family!