Longanisa is a popular Filipino-style sausage that is often enjoyed as a breakfast dish. It is made with ground pork and a variety of seasonings, giving it a distinct sweet and savory flavor. Longanisa can be enjoyed on its own, or paired with rice, eggs, and other breakfast staples.
Making homemade longanisa is easier than you might think. The key is to find the right balance of flavors and let the mixture marinate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. This article will guide you through the simple steps of preparing and cooking delicious Filipino longanisa right in your own kitchen.
To make longanisa, you will need ground pork, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and optional ingredients like paprika, chili flakes, or pineapple juice. The ingredients are easily accessible and can be found in most grocery stores. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and aromatic sausage that is well-loved by many Filipinos. Whether you are a seasoned cook or new to Filipino cuisine, making longanisa at home is a great way to explore the flavors of the Philippines.
Step-by-step guide on how to cook Filipino longanisa
Longanisa is a popular Filipino sausage that is enjoyed for breakfast or as a main dish. It is made with ground pork, garlic, vinegar, and various spices, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook Filipino longanisa:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Make sure that the spices and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After marinating, take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a log about 2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the longanisa. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the longanisa from the pan and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve the Filipino longanisa hot with garlic fried rice and eggs for a traditional Filipino breakfast.
Enjoy your homemade Filipino longanisa!
Prepare the ingredients
Before you can start cooking Filipino longanisa, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
1. Ground pork: You will need about 1 kilogram of ground pork. Make sure to choose a lean cut of pork for best results.
2. Garlic: You will need about 6 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a delicious flavor to the longanisa.
Vinegar: You will need 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Vinegar helps to balance the flavors of the longanisa.
Soy sauce: You will need 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Soy sauce adds a savory taste to the longanisa.
Sugar: You will need 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sugar helps to caramelize the longanisa and adds a touch of sweetness.
Salt: You will need 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
Black pepper: You will need 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Black pepper adds a hint of spiciness to the longanisa.
Paprika: You will need 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Paprika adds a vibrant color and smoky flavor to the longanisa.
Corn syrup: You will need 2 tablespoons of corn syrup. Corn syrup helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a subtle sweetness.
Collagen casing: You will need collagen casing to encase the longanisa mixture. You can find collagen casing at your local butcher shop or purchase it online.
Oil: You will need oil for frying the longanisa.
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can move on to the next step, which is preparing the longanisa mixture.
Make the longanisa mixture
To start making your delicious Filipino longanisa, you will need to prepare the longanisa mixture. This mixture will be used to season the ground pork and give it its unique and savoury taste.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of ground pork
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of vinegar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients listed above.
- Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Note: If you prefer a spicier longanisa, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Once the longanisa mixture has chilled, you can proceed to shape it into sausages and cook them according to your preferred method.
Enjoy your homemade Filipino longanisa!
Stuff the longanisa mixture into casings
Once you have prepared the longanisa mixture, it’s time to stuff it into casings. You can use either natural hog casings or synthetic casings for this step. Soaking the casings in warm water for about 30 minutes before using will make them more pliable.
Take a handful of the longanisa mixture and start filling the casings. Gently push the mixture into the casing, making sure it is evenly distributed and filled without any air pockets. The casings should be filled but not overstuffed to allow room for the longanisa to expand while cooking.
Use your fingers to press the mixture down and help it move through the casing smoothly. Twist the filled casing every 3 to 4 inches to form individual links. This will make it easier to separate them later on.
Continue this process until all of the longanisa mixture is used up and all casings are filled. Make sure to leave a small portion of casing at the end of each link to tie a knot and secure the filling.
Once all the longanisa links are formed, you can either refrigerate them for a few hours to let the flavors meld together or cook them immediately.
Note: If you don’t have casings or prefer not to use them, you can simply shape the longanisa mixture into patties or meatballs and cook them directly.
Let the longanisa marinate
Once you have mixed all the ingredients together, it’s time to let the longanisa marinate. Marinating is an essential step to infuse the meat with the flavors of the spices and other ingredients. It also helps to tenderize the meat and make it more juicy and flavorful.
To marinate the longanisa, transfer the mixture into a large resealable bag or a container with a lid. Make sure that the meat is fully coated with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
Allow the longanisa to marinate for at least 24 hours. This will give enough time for the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat. However, if you want a stronger flavor, you can marinate it for up to 48 hours.
While marinating, it’s a good idea to flip the bag or shake the container gently every few hours to ensure that all sides of the longanisa are evenly coated with the marinade.
The marinated longanisa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be. Just make sure to consume it within the recommended storage time to ensure freshness and food safety.
Once the longanisa has marinated for the desired time, it is ready to be cooked. Whether you choose to grill, pan-fry, or bake the longanisa, you can now enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Filipino sausage.
Cook the longanisa
Once you have marinated the longanisa, it’s time to cook them. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to cook Filipino longanisa:
1. Stovetop cooking method:
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Place the marinated longanisa in the pan, making sure to leave enough space between them to cook evenly.
Cook the longanisa for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
Use a pair of tongs to turn the longanisa over during cooking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
2. Grilling method:
If you prefer a smoky and charred flavor, you can also grill the longanisa.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the marinated longanisa on the grill grates, making sure to leave enough space between them.
Grill the longanisa for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
Use a pair of tongs to turn the longanisa over during grilling to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the longanisa and the desired level of doneness.
Once cooked, remove the longanisa from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Filipino longanisa!
FAQ
What is filipino longanisa?
Filipino longanisa is a type of sausage that is popular in the Philippines. It is made from ground pork that is seasoned with various spices and then cured and dried.
How do I cook filipino longanisa?
To cook filipino longanisa, you can start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the longanisa and cook until browned on all sides. You can then add a little bit of water to the pan, cover it, and let the longanisa steam for a few minutes. Finally, remove the cover and continue cooking until the water evaporates and the longanisa is fully cooked.
What spices are used in filipino longanisa?
Filipino longanisa is typically seasoned with a combination of garlic, black pepper, sugar, and vinegar. Some variations may also include other spices such as paprika, oregano, or even pineapple juice.
Can I use other types of meat to make longanisa?
While pork is the most common meat used to make filipino longanisa, you can also use other types of meat such as chicken, beef, or even fish. The choice of meat will affect the taste and texture of the longanisa, so feel free to experiment and find out which one you prefer.
What are some serving suggestions for filipino longanisa?
Filipino longanisa is often served for breakfast with garlic fried rice and eggs. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or paired with vegetables for a heartier meal. Some people also enjoy eating it with vinegar for a tangy kick.
What is Filipino longanisa?
Filipino longanisa is a type of sausage made from ground pork that is mixed with various seasonings and spices. It is a popular Filipino dish that is often served for breakfast.
Can I use other types of meat for longanisa?
Yes, you can use other types of meat such as chicken or beef to make longanisa. However, traditional longanisa is made with pork.