Homemade Pork Tocino Recipe: Easy Sweet Cured Pork for Breakfast

(Updated) If you’re looking for a delicious way to start your morning or a smart idea for a small home business, homemade pork tocino might just be the perfect answer. This classic sweet cured pork dish is beloved for its tender texture and rich, flavorful taste, making it a staple in many Filipino households. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare!

Tocino is traditionally made by marinating slices of pork in a blend of salt, sugar, and curing powder. Some variations even add pineapple juice to introduce a subtle tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness. Whether you’re planning to serve it as a hearty breakfast, a convenient packed lunch, or even sell it to earn extra income, making tocino at home is a rewarding experience.

Below is a step-by-step guide to creating your own home-style pork tocino:

Pork Tocino Recipe (Version 1)

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram pork pigue or kasim (with or without skin), sliced into ¼-inch thick cuts
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 5–8 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon rum or gin
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon curing salt (Prague powder)
• 1 teaspoon flavor enhancer (optional)
• ½ tablet ascorbic acid (250 mg)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Sharp knife
• Weighing scale
• Chopping board

Instructions:

1. Cut pork into thin slices about 0.63 cm thick.
2. In a bowl, mix all the seasoning and curing ingredients thoroughly.
3. Rub the marinade evenly onto each piece of pork.
4. Stack the slices neatly in a container, cover it, and let it cure — either at room temperature for 12 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (You may sun-dry the meat afterward to extend its shelf life.)

Packaging Tip:
Use polyethylene bags (6″ x 12″ size, 0.003 thickness) or styrofoam trays sealed with cling film for professional packaging, especially if you plan to sell them.

Pork Tocino Recipe (Version 2)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons rock salt
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• A pinch of curing salt (Prague powder)
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon local white vinegar
• ½ kilo pork kasim, sliced thinly

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine garlic, salt, brown sugar, curing salt, pepper, and vinegar.
2. Add pork slices and mix well. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. To cook, simply fry the pork in hot oil until tender and caramelized. Drain excess oil before serving.

Pro Tip:
You can also substitute pork with deboned chicken thighs for a leaner version of this classic dish.

Homemade Pork Tocino (Version 3)

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork loin or pork chops with a bit of fat, sliced into ¼-inch thickness
• 2 tablespoons anise wine
• 2 tablespoons annatto water (for color)
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon curing salt (Prague powder #1)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients (except pork) in a shallow container and stir well.
2. Coat the pork slices evenly with the marinade mixture.
3. Place the seasoned meat in a covered container and refrigerate for around 3 days to fully cure.
4. To cook, add a splash of water in a skillet along with the pork and let it simmer until the water evaporates, then fry until golden and slightly caramelized.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade pork tocino is not only a satisfying culinary project, but it’s also a wonderful way to create opportunities for a small food business. Whether enjoyed at home or packaged for sale, pork tocino’s rich, sweet, and savory flavor never fails to delight. Try these easy recipes and discover how simple ingredients can turn into something truly mouthwatering.