Filipino Sisig is one of the most beloved dishes in the Philippines and even outside the country. It has a sizzling, tangy, and savory flavor which makes it a versatile meal that can be eaten with family and friends or at the bar with cold beverages. However, recreating this dish outside of the Philippines can be challenging because of the specific ingredients that are hard to find in the U.S. One example is Calamansi – a small citrus that’s essential for authentic sisig but is often unavailable.
That’s why we’ll explore how to work around these obstacles to make authentic Filipino Sisig with ingredients that you can find in the U.S.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes for Authentic Sisig
The original recipe for Filipino Sisig usually includes pork belly, pork butt, and liver, which are often accessible in most American grocery stores. The only cuts you might have trouble finding are pork cheeks and nose. As mentioned before, Calamansi is very difficult to find in the U.S. which is the biggest challenge that you may face. Not only that, there is cane vinegar and Siling labuyo, the chili pepper that’s cultivated in the Philippines.
1. Pork cheeks and nose
You can keep using pork belly, pork butt, and liver without the need for the Pork cheeks and nose. However, you can go to your local butcher as you will most likely find a whole pig’s head that’s for sale.
2. Calamansi juice
Traditional Sisig uses Calamansi for the tangy and sour flavor. However, if you can’t find any in the U.S., a great substitute is to mix lemon and lime juice. Although, it won’t perfectly replicate Calamansi’s unique profile.
3. Soy sauce and cane vinegar
While soy sauce can easily be found in any supermarket, cane vinegar can be substituted with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar as they have similar acidities.
4. Liquid seasoning
Focus on finding brands like Knorr or Maggi, the commonly used liquid seasonings for authentic Filipino Sisig. They add a unique umami flavor to the dish and luckily, you can find these brands in a lot of American stores.
5. Siling labuyo
You may be able to find Siling labuyo in dedicated Filipino stores and supermarkets however, in general, it’s difficult to obtain in the U.S. What you can do is substitute it with Gochugaru, a mild Korean chili flake that’s more commonly sold.
Cooking Tips For Achieving The Perfect Sizzle
Now that you know the essential ingredients as well as their substitutes when it comes to authentic Filipino Sisig, you need to apply the proper cooking techniques to achieve that nostalgic taste you’ve been craving for. These include steps like marinating the pork, grilling, slicing the meat, and serving it.
1. Marinate for 12 hours
Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 12 hours in soy sauce, cane vinegar, onion, and garlic, to make sure that the flavor penetrates the meat.
2. Grilling for char
It’s better to grill the marinated pork to get that essential charred flavor. However, if you don’t have a charcoal girl, you can use a gas grill or an iron skillet.
3. Chopping and frying
Once you’ve finished cooking the pork, chop the meat into small pieces and fry them on a hot skillet to achieve that classic crispy texture we all love.
4. Serve sizzling
If you haven’t used it for cooking, heat a cast iron skillet until it’s piping hot, add your pork mixture, and let it sizzle. Top with chili peppers, and onions, and crack a raw egg on top. If you’re feeling extra, you can even add a bit of mayonnaise which is also done in the Philippines.
Cook your Authentic Filipino Sisig Now!
Making authentic Filipino sisig with ingredients from the U.S. is possible with a few changes. Although finding some ingredients like Calamansi might be tricky, the alternatives offer you the chance to recreate this iconic dish. By following these tips, you can bring the vibrant flavors of home to your table this Christmas!
