Homemade Filipino Pork Tocino is a sweet and savory delight that’s perfect for breakfast! It’s made by marinating pork in a mix of sugar, garlic, and spices, giving it a unique flavor.
Once cooked, it turns a beautiful caramel color and is super tasty! I love serving it with a side of fried eggs and rice—it’s a great way to start the day with a smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Belly: Pork shoulder has the right balance of meat and fat, making it juicy when cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but it may be drier. For a different flavor, try using chicken thighs.
Sugar: White sugar is traditional for that sweet caramelization. Brown sugar can be a great substitute if you want a deeper flavor. Coconut sugar is another nice alternative, especially for a more natural sweetness.
Pineapple Juice: This adds a lovely sweet-tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, orange juice works in a pinch, or a bit of apple juice can also be nice. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.
Achuete (Annatto) Powder: This gives tocino its beautiful color. If you can’t find it, you can omit it or use paprika for a different color, though the flavor will vary.
How to Marinate for Maximum Flavor?
The marinating step is crucial for developing that sweet and savory flavor in tocino. The longer you allow it to soak up the marinade, the better it gets! Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined; make sure to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Add the pork, ensuring every piece is covered with the marinade. A zip-top bag works great for this!
- Refrigerate for at least 3 days, stirring occasionally to rediscover flavors.
- If you can, let the pork marinate for up to 5 days for richer flavor.
Trust me, this patience pays off with delicious results!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Tocino?
Cooking tocino right brings out the best in the dish. Here are my tips for perfect results:
- Use medium heat to cook the tocino to prevent burning; you want it to caramelize slowly.
- Don’t skip the oil! This helps achieve that lovely, crispy finish.
- Be sure to let the marinade reduce into a thick sauce; it adds amazing depth of flavor to the pork.
- For some extra flavor, consider adding chopped garlic or onions as you cook the tocino.
These techniques help you achieve that perfect, glossy, and flavorful tocino that’s bound to impress!
Homemade Filipino Pork Tocino
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Marinade:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 tbsp kosher salt (optional for curing)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder or 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar (optional for tang)
- 2 tbsp achuete (annatto) powder or liquid (for color)
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional bright red color)
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for frying)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of active prep time, but you’ll want to marinate the pork for at least 3 days (up to 5 days) for the best flavor. Cooking the tocino takes about 30 minutes. So plan ahead for that delicious payoff!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, salt, garlic (either powder or minced), black pepper, pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar (if using), achuete powder, and red food coloring. Stir everything together until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Add the cubes of pork to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pork to a zip-lock bag, squeezing out excess air. Place it in the fridge for at least 3 days to allow all the flavors to soak in. The longer it marinates (up to 5 days), the better it will taste!
3. Cooking the Tocino:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the cooking oil. Take the marinated pork and add it to the pan, along with some of the marinade liquid for extra flavor.
4. Simmer and Caramelize:
Let the pork cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and the marinade thickens into a sticky sauce, about 20-30 minutes. You want the sauce to caramelize and coat the pork nicely.
5. Finish Cooking:
Continue to cook until the edges of the tocino pieces get slightly charred and glossy. This is where the flavor intensifies, so don’t rush this step!
6. Serve:
Transfer the cooked tocino to a serving plate. You can garnish with chopped green onions if you like. Serve it hot with garlic fried rice and fried eggs for a traditional Filipino breakfast that everyone will love!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Filipino pork tocino! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or belly are traditional choices for their balance of meat and fat, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that lean cuts may result in a drier tocino.
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to marinate the pork for at least 3 days, but you can extend it up to 5 days. The longer the marination, the more flavor the pork will absorb!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the tocino and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Just make sure to reheat it gently to maintain its flavor and texture. You can also freeze the uncooked marinated pork for up to 2 months; just thaw it in the fridge before cooking.
What Can I Serve With Pork Tocino?
Pork tocino is traditionally served with garlic fried rice and fried eggs, creating a delicious breakfast combo. You can also enjoy it with steamed rice and a side of fresh tomatoes or pickled vegetables for a complete meal!
