Authentic Filipino Longganisa: A Detailed Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kilogram ground pork
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper, ground
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • Pork sausage casings

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, paprika, vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and water.
  2. Mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the pork. Let the mixture sit for about an hour to let the flavors meld together.
  3. Prepare the sausage casings according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves soaking and rinsing them.
  4. Stuff the sausage mix into the casings. Make sure you don't overfill to avoid bursting during cooking.
  5. Twist the sausages into your desired length, usually around 3 to 4 inches. You can use kitchen twine to secure the ends.
  6. You can cook the sausages right away, or store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  7. To cook, place sausages in a skillet with 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat until water evaporates, then allow sausages to brown in their own fat.
  8. Once browned, remove from heat and serve with rice and eggs for a traditional Filipino breakfast.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork for a leaner option.
  • Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different spices like oregano, thyme, or cayenne pepper for a unique twist.
  • Try using different types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
  • For a sweeter version, substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup.
  • Make a spicy version by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce.
  • For a garlic lover's variation, double the amount of minced garlic.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mixture.
  • Make a vegetarian version by using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground meat.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Recipe overview

Discover the flavors of the Philippines in your own kitchen with this recipe for homemade Longganisa. Longganisa is a popular Filipino breakfast sausage known for its unique blend of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these sausages from scratch, starting with a simple mixture of ground pork, brown sugar, garlic, and spices. The mixture is then stuffed into sausage casings and can be cooked immediately or stored for future use. Whether you're familiar with Filipino cuisine or trying it for the first time, this Longganisa recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.

Common questions

  1. Can I use ground beef instead of ground pork? No, this recipe is traditionally made with ground pork. However, you can experiment with ground chicken or turkey if desired.
  2. Can I skip the sausage casings? Yes, if you prefer not to use casings, you can shape the mixture into patties instead. However, using casings will give the dish a more authentic sausage-like appearance.
  3. Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or red pepper flakes based on your personal preference. You can even omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
  4. How should I store the sausages? If you're not cooking the sausages right away, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
  5. Can I grill the sausages instead of pan-frying them? Yes, you can definitely grill the sausages if you prefer. Just make sure to cook them over medium heat and turn them frequently to ensure they cook evenly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large, preferably non-stick skillet for cooking the longganisa.
  • Bowl - A large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients and marinating the ground pork.
  • Kitchen Twine - Used to secure the ends of the sausages after stuffing them into casings.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for mincing garlic and slicing any additional garnishes.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board for chopping garlic and preparing other ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Tongs - Used for flipping and turning the longganisa while cooking.
  • Serving Plate - A plate or platter for serving the cooked longganisa.
  • Rice Cooker - If serving with rice, a rice cooker can be helpful in preparing the rice.

Origin stories

Longganisa, the Philippine local sausage, is a beloved fixture in any Filipino breakfast table. Its roots trace back to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, and it's considered a variation of the Spanish chorizo. However, the Filipinos have made it their own, infusing the sausage with local flavors and ingredients. Each region in the Philippines has its unique version of longganisa. For instance, the Vigan longganisa from Ilocos is known for its garlicky and tangy flavor, while the Lucban longganisa from Quezon is famous for its strong garlic punch and slightly sour taste. The Pampanga longganisa, on the other hand, is sweet and often served at breakfast with garlic rice and fried egg, a combo famously known as "Longsilog." Such is the charm of longganisa, a testament to the Philippines' regional diversity and culinary adaptability.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.