Tocino

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Tocino is a sweet and savory Filipino dish made from thinly sliced pork that is marinated in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, peppercorn, garlic, paprika, and annatto powder. The marinade helps to add flavor to the pork and also helps to keep it tender. Tocino is often considered a breakfast dish and is typically served with steamed rice.

The history of Tocino can be traced back to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines when the Spanish introduced new ingredients such as sugar and vinegar to the local cuisine. Over time, Tocino has become a staple in Filipino cuisine and is now enjoyed by people of all ages.

The marinade for Tocino is usually made by mixing brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, peppercorn, garlic, paprika, and annatto powder together in a bowl. The annatto powder is an optional ingredient that gives the dish its distinctive red color, but it can also be omitted if desired. The pork belly is then sliced into thin strips and added to the marinade, making sure that each strip is evenly coated. The marinade is then allowed to penetrate the pork for at least 6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

To cook Tocino, a non-stick pan is heated over medium heat and the marinated pork strips are removed from the marinade and placed in the pan. The pork is then cooked in batches until it is browned and crisp on both sides, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch.

Once cooked, Tocino can be served hot with steamed rice. It is a popular breakfast dish in the Philippines, but it can also be enjoyed at any time of day. It is a sweet, savory, and satisfying dish that is easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are a fan of Filipino cuisine or are simply looking for a new and delicious dish to try, Tocino is definitely worth considering.

Preparation Time: 6 hours to overnight (for marination)

Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes (for cooking the pork in batches)