Embutido is a Filipino version of meatloaf. Its ingredients are readily available, and it’s simple to make. Steam it to perfection.
Filipino cuisine is an irresistible blend of flavors and influences worldwide. One such dish that showcases this diversity is Filipino Embutido. This savory Filipino-style meatloaf is a beloved delicacy often served on special occasions.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the ingredients that make this dish unique, how to prepare it, and essential tips for storing this Filipino favorite.
You may also like Chicken Afritada Recipe and Pork Menudo Recipe.
What is Embutido?
Embutido is a Filipino dish that consists of ground meat, typically pork or a combination of pork and beef, mixed with various ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, pickles, and raisins. This mixture is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices and often bound together with beaten eggs. The mixture is then shaped into a log or rectangular shape, wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and steamed until cooked.
Once cooked, embutido is sliced into rounds.
It’s commonly enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. The flavors combine sweet and savory, with the raisins providing a touch of sweetness while the pickles and other ingredients add a tangy and delicious element.
Embutido Ingredients:
- Ground Pork: The primary ingredient, ground pork, provides the base for the embutido. You can also use a mix of ground pork and ground beef for a unique flavor.
- Sausage or Hotdog: A distinctive feature of Filipino embutido is the inclusion of Vienna Sausage or hotdogs, adding a delightful surprise to every slice.
- Raisins add sweetness to the mixture.
- Pickles: Chopped pickles offer a tangy contrast to the meaty flavors.
- Hard-boiled Eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs are a standard embutido filling, providing flavor and visual appeal.
- Carrots and Bell Peppers: Grated carrots and finely chopped bell peppers give the embutido a pop of color and freshness.
- Onions and Garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic enhance the overall taste.
- Bread Crumbs: These act as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
How to Make Filipino Embutido:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground pork and ground beef. Add the r, raisins, pickles, carrots, bell peppers, sautéed onions, and garlic—season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the Meatloaf: Lay a sheet of aluminum foil flat and spread a portion of the meat mixture onto it. Put the boiled egg and the Vienna sausage on top. Shape it into a log, ensuring it’s tightly packed.
- Roll and Seal: Roll the foil tightly around the meat, like a sausage. Twist the ends to secure the embutido.
- Steam: Steam the embutido for about an hour. Make sure to seal the ends of the foil properly to prevent water from getting in.
- Cool and Slice: Once cooked, let it cool, then slice into round servings. Pan-fry or serve as is.
Why You Will Love It:
- Flavorful and Unique: It is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Combining ground meat, sausage or hotdog slices, raisins, and pickles creates a unique and satisfying taste that will excite your taste buds.
- Visual Appeal: The dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. When sliced, it reveals colorful layers of ingredients, making it a feast for the eyes and the palate.
- Versatile Dish: It can be served in various ways.
- Traditional Filipino Cuisine: Exploring Filipino cuisine is an adventure, and this Filipino-style meatloaf is a beautiful representation of the diverse and unique flavors of Filipino cooking. It’s a chance to savor a taste of the Philippines.
- Celebratory Dish: This dish is often associated with celebrations and special occasions, making it perfect for festive gatherings and family get-togethers. It’s a symbol of Filipino hospitality and togetherness.
- Simple and Delicious: while it may seem intricate, it is relatively straightforward. You can create this Filipino favorite in your kitchen and enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a dish that’s loved by many.
In summary, you’ll love this meal for its excellent blend of flavors, its role in Filipino culinary tradition, its versatility, and the joy it brings to special moments and everyday meals. It’s a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also warms your heart with its vibrant history.
How to Store and How to Reheat it
- Refrigeration: After cooking, allow the embutido to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it
- Freezing: If you want to store it longer, wrap the embutido. It Freezes for three to six months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Embutido
Equipment
- 1 Large Steamer
- 1 Large Bowl with Cover
- 1 Spoon for Mixing
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Pork
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Finely Chopped Red Onions
- Raisins
- Pickles
- Egg
- Peas and Carrots
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Heat one teaspoon of cooking oil and fry the mixture to taste if it is seasoned enough. Add more seasoning if needed.
- If the mixture is seasoned according to your liking, cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for an hour. This is done to allow the flavoring to be absorbed into the meat.
- When ready, put tin foil on a flat surface and spread about one cup of the mixture. Spread and put the sausage and egg on top. Roll the mixture to form a log. Seal on both sides and steam.
Steaming the Embutido
- Add ten cups of water to the steaming tray and line the prepared Embutido. Steam on high heat for one hour. Add more water if needed.
- Let the Embutido cool at room temperature, and you can refrigerate for up to three days, or you can freeze it once they are cold.
How to Serve
- Remove the foil and slice the Embutido using a sharp knife. You can microwave it for one minute, or you can fry it.