Tocino

Tocino is a cured meat product originating in the Philippines. It is typically made from pork belly, though chicken, beef, and even fish versions exist. The meat is cured in a mixture of sugar, salt, and spices, most notably annatto (atsuete) which gives it a characteristic reddish-orange color. Garlic, black pepper, and sometimes pineapple juice are also common ingredients in the cure.

Tocino is typically pan-fried until caramelized and crispy. The sugar in the cure helps to achieve this desired sweetness and slightly burnt texture. It is often served as part of a traditional Filipino breakfast, commonly referred to as Tosilog (tocino, sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (fried egg)).

While similar to bacon in appearance and preparation, tocino is noticeably sweeter and less smoky. It is a popular and readily available food item throughout the Philippines and in Filipino communities worldwide. The curing process allows for a longer shelf life compared to fresh pork. Regional variations exist in terms of sweetness and the specific spices used in the cure.