Filipino afritada is a beloved comfort dish—a hearty tomato-based stew often filled with chicken or pork, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. While traditional recipes require hours of simmering and careful seasoning, modern shortcuts like UFC Ready Recipes Sauce make it possible to enjoy authentic afritada flavor in under an hour. Whether you're a busy parent in the Netherlands or a student craving a taste of home, this guide will walk you through every step of cooking afritada with ease.
At Kuya Cris Filipino Store - Pinoy Store Netherlands, we understand the importance of having reliable ingredients that deliver consistent results. That's why we recommend UFC Ready Recipes Sauce for your afritada base—it's pre-seasoned, balanced, and saves you the hassle of mixing individual spices. In this article, you'll discover the exact method to create a rich, savory afritada that rivals your lola's recipe.
Why Use UFC Ready Recipes Sauce for Afritada?
UFC Ready Recipes Sauce is specifically formulated for Filipino stews like afritada, mechado, and kaldereta. Unlike generic tomato sauce, it already contains the right blend of tomato paste, garlic, onion, and subtle spices that define the classic Pinoy flavor profile. This means you don't need to add extra seasoning packets or guess the proportions—just open a pouch and pour.
For home cooks in the Netherlands who may not have easy access to Filipino grocery staples, using a ready-made sauce is a game-changer. It reduces prep time and ensures consistency every time. Pair it with pantry-friendly proteins and vegetables, and you have a complete meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. If you're looking to stock up on other essentials, consider adding a pack of Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Calamansi (Original Citrus) for a quick noodle side dish or a bag of Boy Bawang Cornick Garlic Flavor (fried corn) – 90g for a crunchy snack while the stew simmers.
Boy Bawang Cornick Garlic Flavor (fried corn) – 90g
- Pre-measured seasoning eliminates guesswork.
- Saves at least 20 minutes of sautéing and blending.
- Available at Kuya Cris Filipino Store, delivered to your door in the Netherlands.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make a classic chicken afritada with UFC Ready Recipes Sauce, gather the following ingredients. Feel free to substitute chicken with pork or beef if you prefer a different protein. The key is to use fresh vegetables and a good-quality sauce to build layers of flavor.
For the protein, you can use 500 grams of chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in for more flavor). Vegetables include 2 medium potatoes (cubed), 1 large carrot (cubed), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), and 1 green bell pepper (sliced). Aromatics: 1 onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced). For the sauce: 1 pouch of UFC Ready Recipes Sauce for Afritada. For sautéing: 2 tablespoons cooking oil. For garnish: sliced spring onions or fried garlic bits. Seasoning: salt and pepper to taste, plus 1 cup water or chicken broth.
- Optional: add 1/2 cup green peas for extra color and sweetness.
- For a richer stew, use coconut milk instead of water—though this is non-traditional.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in a chopped siling labuyo or a pinch of chili flakes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by heating oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces (or your chosen protein) and sear on all sides until lightly browned—this locks in the juices and adds depth to the stew. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
Once the chicken is browned, pour in the entire pouch of UFC Ready Recipes Sauce. Stir to coat the meat evenly, then add 1 cup of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the sauce. After 20 minutes, add the potatoes and carrots. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. Finally, stir in the bell peppers and cook for 2 more minutes—they should remain slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with spring onions and serve hot over steamed rice.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- If you're using pork, increase the initial simmering time to 30-35 minutes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld overnight.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Afritada is traditionally served with a generous mound of steamed white rice, but it also pairs wonderfully with garlic fried rice (sinangag) for a hearty breakfast or brunch. For a complete Filipino meal experience, add a side of crunchy pickled papaya (atchara) to cut through the richness of the stew. A cold glass of sago't gulaman or iced tea complements the savory notes perfectly.
If you're hosting a family dinner or a small gathering, consider serving afritada alongside other classic dishes. A bowl of crispy fried lumpia or a platter of grilled pork barbecue makes for a festive spread. For dessert, finish with a sweet treat like Monika Nata de Coco in Syrup (Green) – 340g or a scoop of ube ice cream. These items are all available at our store, making it easy to create a complete Filipino feast in the Netherlands.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Afritada freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe bags for quick future meals.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips for the Best Afritada Every Time
One common mistake is overcooking the vegetables, which turns them mushy. Add potatoes and carrots only after the meat is nearly tender, and add bell peppers at the very end. Another tip: always brown the meat thoroughly before adding the sauce. This caramelization adds a layer of savory flavor that can't be achieved by just boiling.
If you find the sauce too acidic, balance it with a pinch of sugar or a splash of coconut milk. For a smoky twist, use a dollop of tomato paste that has been sautéed until slightly darkened. And don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning—taste as you go. The UFC Ready Recipes Sauce provides a solid base, but your personal touch will make the dish truly yours. For a complete pantry restock, grab a pack of Tuna Flakes Hot & Spicy - Authentic Pinoy Tuna to have on hand for quick lunches or sandwich fillings.
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer broth and more tender meat.
- Let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking—the flavors deepen as it cools slightly.
- If you're meal-prepping, cook the vegetables separately and add them only when reheating to maintain texture.
Cooking afritada at home doesn't have to be complicated. With UFC Ready Recipes Sauce and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a comforting Filipino stew that tastes like it's been simmering all day. Whether you're a seasoned cook or trying afritada for the first time, this method is foolproof and delicious. Visit Kuya Cris Filipino Store to stock up on UFC Ready Recipes Sauce and other Filipino pantry essentials, and bring the warmth of Pinoy home cooking to your table in the Netherlands.
