Kapampangan Bopis Recipe (Spicy and Tangy Pork Heart and Lungs)

A Kapampangan favorite, bopis uses cuts that many cooks hesitate to bring into their kitchen. But with proper prep, pork heart and lungs cook down into a rich, spicy mix with a tang that cuts through every bite. This bopis recipe walks you through the cleaning and boiling so the process feels clear and manageable from the start. Stay with it and you will get a dish with just enough bite and heat to make it worth the time you put in.

Tips

Your go-to butcher or grocery may not have these cuts readily available, so be sure to call ahead to check on their stocks.

120 min.
10 People
Medium
Budget

Ingredients

1 set (about 1½ kg) pork lungs and heart (washed and cleaned well)
1/4 cup atsuete (annatto seeds)
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup chopped red onions
1/2 cup chopped garlic
1/3 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
2 pieces bay leaves
2 pieces Knorr Pork Cubes
2 tablespoons Knorr Liquid Seasoning
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2-3 cup water
1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
1/4 cup minced green bell pepper
2-3 pcs siling labuyo (chopped)

Cooking Method

Boil the Pork Time: 30-40 minutes Submerge pork lungs and heart in a pot of water. Boil for 30-40 minutes. Tip: If desired, boil twice to get rid of the scum and funky smell. Drain the first batch of water, rinse the meat, then boil again in fresh water.
Dice the Meat Time: 10 minutes Drain meat from water and let it cool. Once cooled, dice pork meat into even pieces. Set aside.
Make the Atsuete Oil Time: 3-5 minutes In another pot or wok over low heat, combine atsuete and cooking oil to make atsuete oil. Strain seeds and discard. Tip: Keep the heat low to draw out the color without burning the seeds.
Sauté the Aromatics Time: 3-5 minutes In the atsuete oil, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and softened.
Add the Pork Time: 3-5 minutes Add chopped pork meat. Mix well.
Build the Flavor Base Time: 10 minutes Add vinegar, salt, bay leaves, Knorr Pork Cubes, Knorr Liquid Seasoning, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes or until the vinegar has cooked down. Tip: Let the vinegar boil uncovered first without stirring too much to mellow its sharp taste and aroma.
Simmer Until Flavorful Time: 20-30 minutes Add water and simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to absorb.
Finish and Serve Time: 5-10 minutes Season to taste. Add more vinegar or Knorr Liquid Seasoning as desired. Add bell peppers and siling labuyo. Cook for another 5-10 minutes. Serve warm.

What Is Bopis?

Bopis is a Kapampangan dish made with finely chopped pork heart and lungs, cooked with vinegar, spices, and chilies. It’s known for its sharp, savory flavor profile and slightly firm texture that comes from cooking the meat down.

How to Source Pork Lungs and Heart

These cuts are usually available in wet markets, supermarkets, or your trusted butcher. Ask for “pang-bopis” cut so they can prepare the heart and lungs properly for you. Calling ahead helps make sure the parts are fresh and ready when you need them.

How to Remove Smell From Pork Lungs and Heart

Cleaning is key when cooking bopis. Rinse the meat well, then boil and discard the water to remove impurities and reduce the strong smell. Do this properly and even first-time eaters of laman-loob (offal) will find it easier to enjoy the dish.

Other Kapampangan Dishes to Serve With Bopis

Serve Kapampangan bopis as ulam or pulutan, depending on the spread you’re putting together. Pair it with sisig or kare-kare for a mix of richness and comfort. Round out the meal with bringhe or freshy steamed rice.