Homemade Filipino Pork Tocino is a sweet and savory treat made from tender pork marinated in a mix of sugar, garlic, and spices. It’s perfect for breakfast with fried rice and eggs!
Cooking this dish fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. I love to serve it with a side of fried eggs. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, don’t you think? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder/Butt: This cut has the right amount of fat for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try pork loin, but it may not be as juicy. I personally love the rich flavors from shoulder.
Pineapple Juice: It helps tenderize the pork and adds sweetness. If you want a different flavor, use orange juice or apple juice instead. Just remember, the key is a fruity sweetness.
Brown Sugar: It creates that lovely caramelization. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar and add a bit of molasses for that signature flavor.
Annatto Powder: This gives the tocino its beautiful reddish color. If you can’t find it, paprika or a bit of turmeric can work in a pinch, but the color will differ. I really enjoy the vibrant look with annatto!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must here for flavor. If you’re in a rush, garlic powder could be a faster alternative, though I prefer using fresh when I can.
How Can I Ensure My Pork Tocino is Perfectly Caramelized?
Cooking the tocino to achieve a beautiful caramelized finish requires some attention. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning the sugar. Too high and it’ll scorch; too low and it won’t caramelize.
- Add a bit of cooking oil to prevent sticking. It helps the pork fry nicely.
- Stir occasionally but allow the pork to sit for short moments to develop that golden crust. Keep an eye on it!
- If it looks like it’s drying out, add a splash of the reserved marinade to keep it moist while caramelizing.
Remember, patience is key here, so take your time and enjoy the process!
How to Make Homemade Filipino Pork Tocino
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup pineapple juice (for natural sweetness and tenderizing)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp annatto powder (or achuete powder) for color (optional)
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (optional for a tangy touch)
For Cooking and Garnish:
- Cooking oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, but you’ll need to marinate the pork for at least 24 hours, preferably 2-3 days, for the best flavor. So plan ahead for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, soy sauce, and annatto powder. Stir well until the sugar is mostly dissolved—this will be your special sweet-and-savory marinade!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the pork cubes to the marinade, mixing them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. If you’d like to enhance the flavors, toss in the bay leaves and white vinegar at this stage.
3. Refrigerate and Marinade:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pork marinate for at least 24 hours, but for the most flavor, aim for 2-3 days. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
4. Cook the Tocino:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Next, add the marinated pork to the skillet along with a little bit of the marinade liquid. Keep it moving so it cooks evenly!
5. Simmer and Caramelize:
Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid evaporates. Lower the heat, allowing the pork to caramelize in its own sugars. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and look for that beautiful, sticky, slightly charred finish.
6. Serve:
Once cooked to perfection, transfer the tocino to a serving dish. To add a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley or slices of green onions.
7. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pork tocino hot, alongside garlic fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg for an irresistible Filipino breakfast. Every bite will be filled with sweet and savory goodness!
This recipe promises juicy, flavorful pork tocino with a lovely reddish glaze and a delightful caramelized crust. Enjoy your homemade tocino! 🍽️
Can I Use Another Cut of Meat Besides Pork Shoulder?
Yes! You can use pork loin for a leaner option, though it may not be as tender. If you want to experiment, beef or chicken thighs can also work, but the flavor will differ significantly.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer your tocino less sweet, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/2 cup. You can also balance the sweetness with a bit more black pepper or soy sauce for added flavor depth.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinating the pork ahead of time is key. You can marinate it for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cooked tocino can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days!
What Should I Serve with Pork Tocino?
Pork tocino is best served with garlic fried rice and a sunny-side-up egg. For a lighter option, you can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the flavors in any way that pleases you!
