Tocino
Tocino is usually made from lean pork cuts, such as shoulder or belly, which are first marinated overnight in an acidic liquid like apple cider vinegar, lime juice and salt, to help tenderize the meat and preserve its flavors. After the marinade has been discarded, the pork is bathed in a mixture of garlic, ginger, onion, chilli, black pepper and soy sauce, then bequeathed with plenty of brown sugar, red bell pepper and pineapple juice, before being simmered for around thirty minutes. The result is a spicy-sweet, porcine delight that's sure to leave you licking your lips.
The versatility of tocino makes it the perfect addition to any breakfast table, from tacos stuffed with the meat to hearty scrambles and omelettes. It's also great paired with eggs, served as a side or topped with salsa, diced tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, or guacamole for a bit of extra tang. For a more creative approach, tocino can be cuddled between slices of bread with scrambled eggs and cheese for a delectable breakfast sandwich, or even rolled into burritos filled with melted cheese and peppers.
Whether enjoyed as the star ingredient or as a side, tocino is sure to bring an enticing element of authentically home-cooked flavor to any breakfast. So go ahead and unleash your inner chef; tocino is a surefire way to inject a bit of zest and zing into your day.
Tocino recipes
Amazing Tocino recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Tocino
When it comes to the succulent dish known as tocino, there is much that is unknown regarding its origins. However, one thing is abundantly clear: its history goes back hundreds of years, and it has been enjoyed by countless cultures throughout the centuries.
The word tocino itself is derived from the Latin word tectus, which means "bacon". In Spanish, the word evolved into tocino and was used to refer to different types of cured pork. It was thought that tocino was first introduced to the Philippines by Spanish settlers sometime during the 16th century.
Tocino had gradually become an integral part of the Filipino diet, as people began to experiment with different types of pork. This could be attributed to the abundance of swine in the area. People would stuff pork with spices, seasonings, and other ingredients such as garlic and bay leaves, before curing the meat in jars and hanging it in smokehouses.
The Filipinos added another ingredient to the mix though; they added sugar to the mix to give it a sweetness that is now a signature taste of the tocino. With time, sugar became an intrinsic part of the dish, making it a much-loved delicacy all over the world.
Due to its long history and cultural significance, many countries have developed their own variation of this beloved dish. Whether you are in Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico or even in the United States, chances are you will find a delicious version of tocino being enjoyed in some shape or form.
The lasting legacy of tocino has made it one of the most popular dishes in the world, and its unique flavor and texture continue to draw new fans each and every day. What's more, its rich history makes it a prime example of how different cultures can come together to create something purely delightful.
Types of Tocino
The Filipino dish Tocino is a savory and flavorful sweet-cured pork dish that is guaranteed to tantalize taste buds. It is an immensely popular breakfast item throughout the Philippines, and is often used as an accompaniment to other dishes like garlic fried rice and scrambled eggs. But what makes Tocino such a delicious and widely-loved dish? Well, that would be its diversity!
There are many types of Tocino that vary in flavor and spices, each one bringing something delicious to the table. If you’re new to this dish, here’s a little breakdown of some of the most popular types of Tocino:
Original Tocino – Also known as “Pinoy Tocino,” original Tocino is the classic version of the dish made with pork marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and kalamansi (Filipino lime). You can enjoy it with garlic fried rice or scrambled eggs.
Sweeter Tocino – For those who like their Tocino on the sweeter side, this version is made with extra amounts of brown sugar to give it an extra caramelized crust. This type of Tocino is often enjoyed with garlic fried rice and sunny-side up eggs.
Coconut Milk Tocino – This type of Tocino is usually served with garlic fried rice, accompanied by scrambled eggs and a generous scoop of coconut milk stirred into the mixture. Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness to the dish and helps to bring out the flavors of the garlic, kalamansi, and pork.
Sausage Tocino – This type of Tocino is made with pork sausage instead of the traditional boneless pork, giving it a unique flavor and texture. Add some extra garlic and kalamansi, and you have a delicious and unique Tocino dish.
Adobo Tocino – This type of Tocino has all the wonderful flavors that you’d expect from an adobo dish, complete with garlic, bay leaves, and white vinegar. Served with garlic fried rice and scrambled eggs, this is the perfect dish to kickstart your day.
As you can see, there are many types of Tocino for you to try and enjoy. With its vibrant flavors, tender pork, and irresistible sweetness, you can see why this dish is so popular among Filipinos. Give it a try and see for yourself how delicious Tocino truly is!