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Tocino Breakfast Plate

A beloved Filipino breakfast of sweet cured pork slices pan-fried until caramelized and slightly sticky, served with garlic fried rice and a fried egg. Plan ahead: the pork needs to cure overnight in the refrigerator.

40 minEasyServes 4520 cal/serving

FilipinoBreakfastStovetopStandardHigh ProteinCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 6 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 garlic cloves (for cure), minced
  • 1/2 tsp annatto powder (or 1 tsp paprika for color)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 4 cups day-old cooked white rice
  • 5 garlic cloves (for rice), minced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (for rice)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • as needed white cane vinegar or distilled white vinegar (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs thinly sliced pork shoulder with 6 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, 6 minced garlic cloves (for cure), 1/2 tsp annatto powder (or 1 tsp paprika for color), and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Mix well so every slice is coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to cure.

  2. 2

    To make garlic rice: heat 2 tbsp neutral oil (for rice) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves (for rice) and fry until golden, about 1 minute. Add 4 cups day-old cooked white rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry until heated through, about 4 minutes. Season lightly with salt. Set aside and keep warm.

  3. 3

    Heat 3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cured pork in a single layer (work in batches). Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until caramelized and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The sugary cure will brown quickly; watch closely to avoid burning.

  4. 4

    In the same pan, fry the 4 large eggs to your liking (sunny-side up is traditional).

  5. 5

    Serve the tocino over garlic rice with the fried egg alongside, topped with 3 sliced green onions. Offer white cane vinegar or distilled white vinegar (for serving) on the side for dipping.

Questions

Can I make Tocino Breakfast Plate gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Tocino Breakfast Plate keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Tocino Breakfast Plate?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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