french-polynesiandinner

Ma'a Tinito

Name: Ma'a Tinito
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: french-polynesian
Ingredients: 500 g pork shoulder (cubed); 400 g canned red kidney beans (drained); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp five-spice powder; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 200 ml water

French Polynesian red bean and pork stew with rice, a beloved everyday comfort dish.

Prep

10 min

Cook

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

★★★★★

4.6(97 ratings)

#pork#beans#tahitian#comfort food#stew

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About This Recipe

Ma'a Tinito, literally 'Chinese food', is a Tahitian pork and red bean stew that has become one of the most popular home-cooked meals in French Polynesia. Soy sauce, ginger, and five-spice give it an Asian-influenced depth.

Ingredients

Serves 4

500 gpork shoulder(cubed)
400 gcanned red kidney beans(drained)
3 tbspsoy sauce
1 tspfive-spice powder
2 clovesgarlic(minced)
200 mlwater

Instructions

1
Brown pork
Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat and brown pork cubes on all sides.
2
Add aromatics
Add garlic and five-spice, stir for 1 minute.
3
Simmer
Add soy sauce, water, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 35–40 minutes until pork is tender.
4
Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over steamed white rice.

Pro Tips

→
A slow cooker on low for 6 hours produces even more tender pork.
→
Add a splash of rice wine vinegar to brighten the stew.

Variations

•
Substitute red beans with black-eyed peas.
•
Add sliced carrots for sweetness.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

History & Origin

Chinese immigrants arrived in French Polynesia in the 19th century and profoundly shaped local cuisine. Ma'a Tinito is the delicious result of that cultural exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ma'a Tinito mean?

It means 'Chinese food' in Tahitian, reflecting its Chinese-influenced origins.

Can I use dried beans?

Yes — soak overnight and cook before adding to the stew.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 4 servings total

Calories420kcal

Protein34g

Carbohydrates32g

Fat16g

Fiber8g

Protein34g

Carbs32g

Fat16g

Time Summary

Prep time10 min

Cook time45 min

Total time55 min

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Instructions

Brown pork

Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat and brown pork cubes on all sides.

Add aromatics

Add garlic and five-spice, stir for 1 minute.

Simmer

Add soy sauce, water, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 35–40 minutes until pork is tender.

Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over steamed white rice.