How to Make Authentic Binagoongan Baboy w/ Talong at Home

Savor the bold, umami-rich flavors of the Philippines’ beloved Binagoongan Baboy without compromising your Weight Watchers journey! This lightened-up version swaps fatty pork for leaner cuts and balances salty shrimp paste with fresh veggies, all while keeping the dish authentically delicious. Paired with tender eggplant (talong), this hearty meal is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests—all under 8 WW SmartPoints per serving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• WW-Friendly Comfort Food: All the savory-sweet goodness of traditional binagoongan with a healthy twist.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 40 minutes with simple steps.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or go vegetarian.
• Meal Prep Star: Tastes even better the next day!
• Filipino Flair: A taste of home or a culinary adventure for newbies.

Ingredients

For the Pork & Eggplant:

• 1 lb lean pork tenderloin (trimmed, cut into cubes)
• 2 medium eggplants (talong), sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp cooking spray (or 1 tsp olive oil)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp low-sodium shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (or sugar substitute)

For the Aromatics & Sauce:

• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 thumb-sized ginger (julienned)
• 2 tomatoes (diced)
• 1-2 red chili peppers (siling labuyo), sliced (optional)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (patis)
• 1/2 cup water

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh green mango slices
• Chopped green onions
• Steamed jasmine rice (track points separately)

Instructions

Prep the Pork & Eggplant

1. Cook the eggplant: Lightly spray a skillet with cooking spray. Sauté eggplant slices over medium heat until tender (3-4 minutes per side). Set aside.
2. Brown the pork: In the same skillet, cook pork cubes until lightly browned (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

1. Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
2. Stir in tomatoes and chili peppers. Cook until tomatoes soften (3-4 minutes).

Simmer the Sauce

1. Return pork to the skillet. Add shrimp paste, fish sauce, vinegar, coconut sugar, and chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until pork is tender and sauce thickens.

Add Eggplant & Finish

1. Gently fold in cooked eggplant slices. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
2. Adjust seasoning with a splash of fish sauce or vinegar if needed.

Serve

1. Plate with steamed jasmine rice (track points) and garnish with green mango, green onions, or extra chilies.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, without rice)

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• WW SmartPoints: 7 (with oil) or 8 (with cooking spray and added sugar).

Tips for Success

1. Leaner Protein: Use skinless chicken breast or tofu for a lower-point option.
2. Salt Control: Rinse shrimp paste briefly to reduce sodium.
3. Spice It Up: Add more chilies or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
4. Vegetarian Twist: Substitute pork with diced mushrooms and use vegan fish sauce.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Lean Pork Tenderloin: High in protein, low in fat vs. traditional pork belly.
• Smart Seasoning: Shrimp paste adds big flavor in small amounts.
• Veggie Boost: Eggplant adds fiber and volume for fewer points.

Serving Ideas

• With Rice: Pair with 1/2 cup cauliflower rice (0 points) for a low-carb meal.
• Salad Side: Serve with a tangy atchara (pickled papaya) salad.
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers with steamed veggies for grab-and-go lunches.

This Binagoongan Baboy w/ Talong brings the soul-warming flavors of Filipino cuisine to your table—guilt-free! With its tender pork, savory shrimp paste sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth eggplant, it’s a dish that satisfies both nostalgia and nutrition. Whether you’re craving a taste of home or exploring new flavors, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be deeply flavorful and culturally rich.