Sweet and Savory Homemade Filipino Tocino Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, food coloring (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Add the thinly sliced pork shoulder to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure that all pieces are coated with the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. When ready to cook, heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Add the marinated pork to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is caramelized and fully cooked through.
  6. Repeat with the remaining pork slices, adding more oil to the pan if necessary.
  7. Serve the tocino hot with rice and a side of salad or pickled vegetables.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different flavor.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of calamansi juice or lemon juice to the marinade for a tangy twist.
  • Include 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for an added depth of flavor.
  • Replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a sweeter taste.
  • Experiment with different spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to customize the spice level.
  • Add chopped onions or bell peppers to the marinade for extra texture and flavor.
  • For a healthier option, use lean meat and reduce the amount of sugar and salt in the marinade.
  • Grill the marinated meat instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or tempeh for the meat and adjust the marinating time accordingly.
  • Add pineapple chunks to the dish for a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Recipe overview

Tocino is a popular Filipino breakfast dish that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Made from thin slices of pork shoulder marinated in a tangy and sweet concoction of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices, tocino is a dish that is sure to brighten up your mornings. The key to this recipe is in the marinade, which infuses the pork with a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible - it's a pleasant mix of sweet and salty, with a hint of tanginess from the pineapple juice. The recipe requires an overnight marination, which helps the meat to absorb all the wonderful flavors. The cooking process involves a quick sear on the pan until the pork slices are caramelized, yielding an enticing combination of crispy edges and tender meat. Usually served with a side of steamed rice and a pickled or fresh vegetable salad, tocino is a meal that's worth the wait. Prepare yourself for an exciting culinary journey as you delve into the delicious world of Filipino cuisine with this Tocino recipe. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of pork? - While pork shoulder is commonly used for tocino, you can also use pork belly or any other fatty cut of pork for a richer flavor.
  2. Do I need to use food coloring? - No, the food coloring is optional and mainly used to achieve the traditional red color of tocino. You can omit it if desired.
  3. Can I marinate the pork for less than 8 hours? - It is recommended to marinate the pork for at least 8 hours for the best flavor and tenderness. However, if you're short on time, you can marinate it for a minimum of 3-4 hours.
  4. Can I grill or bake the tocino instead of pan-frying? - Yes, you can grill or bake the marinated pork instead of pan-frying. Grilling will give it a smoky flavor, while baking will result in a slightly different texture.
  5. What can I serve with tocino? - Tocino is typically served with steamed rice and a side of salad or pickled vegetables. You can also serve it with fried eggs for a classic Filipino breakfast.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying Pan - A large non-stick frying pan is recommended for cooking the tocino.
  • Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl is needed to marinate the pork slices.
  • Refrigerator - A refrigerator is required for chilling and marinating the pork overnight.
  • Stove - A stove or cooktop is needed for cooking the tocino.
  • Spatula - A spatula or tongs can be used to flip and turn the pork slices while cooking.
  • Plates - Plates are necessary for serving the cooked tocino.
  • Rice Cooker - A rice cooker can be used to cook rice to serve with the tocino.
  • Salad Bowl - A salad bowl can be used to serve a side of salad with the tocino.
  • Pickling Container - A pickling container is helpful for preparing pickled vegetables to serve with the tocino.

Origin stories

Tocino is a beloved breakfast staple in the Philippines, known for its sweet and savory taste. The word "tocino" is derived from the Spanish word "tocino," which means bacon or cured meat. It was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, and it has since been adapted to local tastes, using ingredients like pineapple juice and brown sugar for marinating the meat. Over time, this dish has become a symbol of Filipino warmth and hospitality, often served to family and friends during gatherings and special occasions. Its vibrant reddish color, which comes from the addition of saltpeter or food coloring, only adds to the festive feel of any meal featuring tocino. The secret to a delicious tocino lies in the marination process - the longer, the better. Some tocino enthusiasts say the key is to let the pork marinate for at least three days to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. Indeed, the anticipation only deepens the appreciation for this sweet and savory delight.

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.