Pork Sisig is a beloved Filipino dish known for its bold flavors and sizzling presentation. Originally from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines, sisig is a perfect blend of crispy pork, tangy lime, creamy mayo, and a hint of spice, making it a crowd favorite at Filipino gatherings, restaurants, and bars. Here’s how you can recreate this tasty dish at home.
Ingredients:
500g pork belly (you can also use pork cheeks for authenticity)
200g pig ears (optional, for added texture)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2-3 bird’s eye chili, chopped (adjust according to spice tolerance)
Juice of 2 calamansi or 1 lime (for tanginess)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking oil (for frying and sautéing)
Chicharrón or pork cracklings (optional, for garnish)
Sliced green onions (for garnish)
1 egg (optional, for serving on top)
Cooking Instructions:
Prepare the Pork Belly and Pig Ears
Boil the pork belly and pig ears in salted water until tender, approximately 30-45 minutes.
Remove from the pot and let them cool. Once cooled, pat them dry with paper towels.
Grill or Fry the Pork
To achieve that classic crisp texture, grill the pork belly and pig ears until the skin is crispy, or fry them in oil. You can also broil them in the oven.
Once the pork is crispy, chop the pork belly and pig ears into small, bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a hot pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent.
Mix the Pork and Seasonings
Add the chopped pork belly and pig ears into the pan and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
Pour in the soy sauce, calamansi or lime juice, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Add Creaminess and Spice
Add the mayonnaise (if desired) for a creamy texture.
Stir in the chopped bird’s eye chilies to give the dish its signature spicy kick.
Final Sizzle
Transfer the pork mixture to a sizzling plate for that iconic sisig presentation.
Optionally, crack an egg on top of the sizzling hot sisig and let it cook with the residual heat.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish your pork sisig with crushed chicharrón and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Serve hot, accompanied by steamed rice or as a pulutan (beer match) with your favorite drink.
Tips for the Best Pork Sisig:
Balancing Texture: For an authentic sisig, make sure the pork is a mix of tender and crispy.
You can adjust the crispness by frying or grilling the pork longer.
Add Variations: Some people like to include chicken liver for added richness. Simply cook and chop it finely before mixing it with the pork.
Spice Level: Adjust the number of bird’s eye chilies depending on how spicy you like your sisig. For a milder version, you can substitute with green chilies.
Pork Sisig is a dish that brings a medley of flavors and textures to your palate: crunchy, tangy, creamy, and spicy. Whether served as a main dish or as an appetizer, sisig always stands out for its mouthwatering combination. Try this recipe at home, and enjoy the sizzling goodness of this Filipino classic!
Pairing Ideas for Pork Sisig:
Pork Sisig can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish. Here are some pairing suggestions to elevate your sisig experience:
Steamed Rice:
The classic pairing for sisig is steamed white rice. The rich and flavorful sisig complements the neutral, fluffy rice perfectly, balancing the saltiness, creaminess, and spice.
Garlic Fried Rice:
For an extra punch of flavor, serve your sisig with garlic fried rice. The aromatic garlic and slight crunch from the fried rice add another layer of texture and taste to your meal.
Beer or Cocktails:
Sisig is traditionally served as “pulutan” or bar food in the Philippines, and it pairs excellently with cold beer. The sizzling, fatty pork and tangy flavors cut through the bitterness of beer, making it a perfect drinking companion. If you prefer cocktails, a light mojito or citrus-based drink would pair wonderfully to counterbalance the richness of the dish.
Sinigang Soup:
For a complete Filipino meal, pair your pork sisig with a tangy sinigang soup. The sourness of the tamarind-based broth provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and flavorful sisig, creating a well-rounded meal.
Vegetable Side Dish:
Balance the richness of sisig with a light vegetable dish like ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad) or kinilaw (Filipino ceviche). These light and fresh sides provide a refreshing complement to the hearty and bold flavors of sisig.
Healthier Alternatives:
While pork sisig is traditionally indulgent, you can try these modifications if you’re looking for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor:
Chicken Sisig:
Swap out pork for leaner chicken breast or thighs. Chicken sisig is just as flavorful and provides a healthier option with less fat. You can follow the same cooking method, grilling the chicken before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Tofu Sisig:
For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, replace pork with tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, pan-fry until crispy, and follow the same steps with the aromatics and seasonings. Tofu sisig is a great option for those who prefer plant-based meals but still want that familiar sisig flavor.
Less Mayo:
If you want to cut down on the calorie content, you can skip the mayonnaise or substitute it with a lighter option like Greek yogurt. This will still give you that creamy texture without the additional fat.
More Veggies:
Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to your sisig for an added boost of nutrients and fiber.
Sisig Variations to Explore:
Sisig is a versatile dish, and over the years, many exciting variations have emerged. Here are a few creative takes on the traditional recipe:
Seafood Sisig:
Replace pork with seafood like squid, tuna, or bangus (milkfish). This seafood variation offers a lighter alternative and can be served with the same flavorful sisig seasonings.
Lechon Sisig:
If you have leftover lechon (roast pig) from a party, chop it up and turn it into a sizzling sisig.
The crispy skin and succulent meat from the lechon make for an incredibly indulgent version of sisig.
Sisig Tacos:
Give the traditional pork sisig a modern twist by serving it in soft tacos or tortillas. Top the sisig with pickled onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime for a fusion of Filipino and Mexican flavors.
Sisig Pizza:
Love pizza? Try making a sisig pizza by spreading your pork sisig on a thin crust, topping it with cheese, and baking until golden. This fusion dish offers a fun way to enjoy sisig in a new format.
Whether you’re sticking to the classic pork sisig recipe or trying out one of the healthier or more creative versions, this sizzling Filipino favorite never disappoints. Its unique blend of flavors and textures—crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy—make it a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys bold, savory flavors. Perfect for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions, pork sisig is sure to impress your family, friends, and guests.
Give this recipe a try and add your own spin to it. Whether it’s served on a sizzling plate or wrapped in a taco, sisig is a dish that brings people together to enjoy the delicious flavors of the Philippines.
