It’s funny how certain foods can transport you back to a specific time and place. For me, the aroma of sizzling meat and sweet garlic always brings me back to Sunday mornings at my Lola’s house. She would always be up before everyone else, preparing a big breakfast feast, and at the center of it all was her incredible Filipino beef tocino.
The sweet and savory flavors of the tocino, paired with fluffy rice and a perfectly fried egg, were the perfect way to start the day. It wasn’t just the taste, but the feeling of family and love that made it so special. To this day, I still crave that taste of home, and that’s why I learned to make my own version of this cherished dish. I’m so excited to share that recipe with you, and I bet you’ll enjoy it as much as I do, especially if you pair it with these amazing cranberry turkey sliders recipe.
Why you’ll love this Filipino Beef Tocino
- This Filipino beef tocino recipe delivers an authentic taste of the Philippines right in your kitchen.
- It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you’ve never tried curing meat before. The instructions are simple and straightforward.
- You can customize the sweetness and saltiness to your liking, creating a truly personalized dish.
- Homemade tocino is free from artificial preservatives and additives found in many store-bought versions.
- This beef tocino is incredibly versatile. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with rice, eggs, and your favorite sides.
- The sweet and savory flavor combination is irresistible, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon curing salt (Prague powder #1)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fried eggs, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, for serving
Directions
Step 1
Filipino beef tocino makes every moment feel comforting. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and curing salt. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved, creating a luscious marinade.
Step 2
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. This step is crucial for even flavor distribution.
Step 3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days for a more intense flavor. The longer it marinates, the better the flavor will be!
Step 4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef.
Step 5
Add the marinated beef in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook it in batches to ensure proper caramelization.
Step 6
Cook the beef for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until it is caramelized and cooked through. The sugar in the marinade will create a delicious, slightly sticky glaze.
Step 7
Serve the Filipino beef tocino hot with cooked rice, fried eggs, and sliced tomatoes. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to experiment with different flavors? Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat. A splash of orange juice can also add a bright, citrusy note. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference for sweetness.
For a richer flavor, consider using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also add a small amount of smoked paprika to give the tocino a smoky depth. Remember that the key to a perfect marinade is to balance sweet, salty, and savory elements.
If you are short on time, you can reduce the marinating time to a minimum of 4 hours, but keep in mind that the flavor will not be as intense as if you marinated it for a longer period. Always ensure the beef is thinly sliced for optimal flavor absorption.
Pairings
Classic Filipino beef tocino is traditionally served with garlic fried rice (sinangag) and a fried egg (itlog). This combination is a breakfast staple that never gets old. The savory tocino pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice and rich egg yolk.
For a more complete meal, add some atchara (pickled papaya) or ensaladang kamatis (tomato salad) to cut through the richness of the tocino. These sides provide a refreshing and tangy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.
Consider serving it with a side of vinegar dipping sauce (toyomansi) for an extra zing. This sauce, made with soy sauce, calamansi (or lemon) juice, and chili peppers, adds a delicious layer of complexity to the dish.
Serving ideas
Present your Filipino beef tocino on a beautiful platter with the rice and eggs arranged artfully around it. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. A sprig of parsley or cilantro can also add a fresh touch.
For a more casual presentation, serve the tocino in warm tortillas or pita bread with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. This is a fun and easy way to enjoy it as a quick lunch or snack.
If you’re hosting a brunch, consider serving the tocino as part of a Filipino-inspired breakfast spread, alongside other dishes like longganisa (Filipino sausage) and tapa (cured beef). This is a great way to introduce your friends and family to the delicious flavors of Filipino cuisine.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover Filipino beef tocino in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the container. This will help maintain its quality and flavor.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked tocino for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, but it will still be delicious.
To reheat, simply pan-fry the tocino in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and slightly crispy. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become tough.
Make-ahead
The beauty of Filipino beef tocino is that it’s perfect for making ahead. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. You can marinate the beef for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
If you’re short on time, you can also marinate the beef overnight. This will still give it a good amount of flavor, but it won’t be as intense as if you marinated it for a longer period. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For a quick and easy breakfast or lunch, cook a large batch of tocino on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator. Then, simply reheat it as needed for a delicious and satisfying meal. This is a great way to save time and effort during the busy workweek.
Common mistakes when making Filipino Beef Tocino
- Not slicing the beef thinly enough: Thinly sliced beef is essential for proper marination and even cooking. Use a sharp knife or ask your butcher to slice it for you.
- Overcrowding the pan: Overcrowding the pan will cause the beef to steam instead of caramelize. Cook it in batches to ensure each piece gets nicely browned and crispy.
- Using the wrong type of sugar: Brown sugar is crucial for the characteristic sweetness and caramelization of tocino. Do not substitute with white sugar or other sweeteners.
- Not marinating long enough: Marinating for at least 24 hours is necessary for the flavors to fully penetrate the beef. The longer, the better!
- Overcooking the beef: Overcooking will result in tough and dry tocino. Cook it just until it’s caramelized and cooked through, but still slightly tender.
Final notes
Filipino beef tocino is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of home and a celebration of Filipino flavors. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own!
Remember, the key to a perfect tocino is patience and attention to detail. Take your time to marinate the beef properly and cook it with love. You’ll be rewarded with a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you to the Philippines.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
Loved this Filipino Beef Tocino? Try these next
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Filipino Beef Tocino
Wake up to the sweet and savory flavors of homemade Filipino Beef Tocino! This cured beef dish is a breakfast staple in the Philippines, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Skip the store-bought versions and enjoy the authentic taste of tocino made with love.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon curing salt (Prague powder #1)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Fried eggs, for serving
- Sliced tomatoes, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and curing salt. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 days for a more intense flavor.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook it in batches.
- Cook the beef for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until it is caramelized and cooked through. The sugar in the marinade will create a delicious, slightly sticky glaze.
- Serve the Filipino Beef Tocino hot with cooked rice, fried eggs, and sliced tomatoes. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use thinly sliced beef sirloin. You can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or round steak. The curing salt is optional but helps to preserve the color and flavor of the tocino. Store leftover tocino in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg