South Karnataka Style Spiced Tocino

Ingredients

In this South Karnataka adaptation of Tocino, we incorporate the distinct flavors of the region by adding a blend of traditional South Karnataka spices. The original Filipino Tocino typically uses ingredients like soy sauce and vinegar for the marinade, while our South Karnataka version replaces these with a combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. This adaptation infuses the dish with a unique spiciness and aroma that is characteristic of South Karnataka cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Tocino, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice. Mix well to form a paste.
2. 2.
   Add the pork slices to the marinade and coat them evenly. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated pork slices and cook until they are caramelized and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. 4.
   Once cooked, remove the spiced tocino from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
5. 5.
   Serve the South Karnataka Style Spiced Tocino hot with steamed rice or as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Choose a lean cut of pork shoulder for this recipe to ensure a tender and flavorful result.
• Cumin powder — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cumin powder.
• Coriander powder — Opt for freshly ground coriander powder to enhance the aroma of the dish.
• Turmeric powder — Use a good quality turmeric powder to add a vibrant yellow color to the spiced tocino.
• Red chili powder — Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of red chili powder.
• Marinating the pork overnight will result in a more flavorful and tender dish.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pork slices to ensure they are cooked through.
• Serve the spiced tocino with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftover spiced tocino can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the South Karnataka Style Spiced Tocino hot with steamed rice, a side of pickled vegetables, and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the caramelized spiced tocino slices on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with a sprinkle of lime juice for an appealing presentation.