Filipino-Style Embutido is a savory meatloaf rolled with slices of hard-boiled eggs and colorful veggies, all wrapped in a luscious coating of ketchup. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
This dish is incredibly versatile – it can be enjoyed as a main course for a hearty meal, served at family gatherings, or even prepared ahead for an easy lunch. Whether served with steamed rice or enjoyed on its own, this Filipino classic will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground pork
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated cheese
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
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1/4 cup green peas
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1/4 cup carrots, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 onion, chopped
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1/4 cup raisins
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2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon cooking oil
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1/4 cup ketchup
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, soy sauce, bell pepper, peas, carrots, garlic, onion, raisins, green onions, and salt and pepper.
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Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and place the pork mixture on it. Form the mixture into a rectangular shape, pressing down gently.
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Place the sliced hard-boiled eggs in the middle of the pork mixture, rolling the mixture to enclose the eggs and form a log.
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Carefully transfer the rolled embutido into the prepared loaf pan.
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Spread ketchup on top of the embutido for extra flavor and color.
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Cover the pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and golden brown on top.
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Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Filipino-Style Meatloaf (Embutido): A Delicious Filipino Comfort Food
Filipino-Style Embutido is a delicious, savory meatloaf with a unique twist. Unlike traditional meatloaf, this Filipino variation incorporates colorful vegetables, sweet raisins, and even hard-boiled eggs, making it a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds. Embutido is one of the most popular Filipino comfort foods, especially during holidays and family gatherings, and it’s often served with steaming white rice or on its own as a main dish.
Origins of Embutido
Embutido, which literally translates to “sausage” in Spanish, is a dish that was influenced by the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. While the name is derived from the Spanish word for sausage, the Filipino version of embutido is not actually a sausage. Instead, it’s a meatloaf made from ground pork, often stuffed with various ingredients like eggs, raisins, and vegetables, which give it a unique flavor profile. Over the years, embutido has become a staple in Filipino cuisine, especially during Christmas, New Year, and other special celebrations.
Why Filipinos Love Embutido
There are a few key reasons why Filipino-Style Embutido is loved by many. First, it’s a hearty dish that’s packed with flavors and textures. The ground pork is combined with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and soy sauce, which gives it a rich and savory flavor. The vegetables add a crunch, and the raisins offer a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes. The addition of hard-boiled eggs in the center of the meatloaf is a unique touch that makes it stand out from other meatloaf varieties.
Another reason for its popularity is its versatility. Embutido can be customized according to personal preferences. You can experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and seasonings to create a version that suits your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables or ingredients that you have in your pantry. Whether you prefer your embutido to be slightly sweeter or more savory, this dish allows for ample customization.
The Making of Filipino Embutido
Making Filipino-Style Embutido is quite simple, but there’s something special about the way the ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both homey and festive. The preparation of embutido involves combining ground pork with breadcrumbs, which help bind the meatloaf and give it its desired texture. The addition of grated cheese gives the dish a creamy richness, while soy sauce brings a salty depth that complements the sweetness of the raisins. Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and peas not only enhance the flavor but also brighten the dish with vibrant colors.
What truly sets Filipino-Style Embutido apart is the hard-boiled eggs tucked into the center. This not only adds a beautiful visual element but also provides a creamy texture that contrasts with the savory pork. As the embutido bakes, the eggs meld into the meatloaf, creating pockets of softness within the hearty filling.
Traditionally, embutido is baked in a loaf pan, but some variations of the recipe involve wrapping the meat mixture in banana leaves or aluminum foil to help it retain moisture during cooking. The result is a perfectly cooked meatloaf that is golden on the outside and tender on the inside.
Why You Should Make Filipino-Style Embutido
One of the reasons you should try making Filipino-Style Embutido is because it’s an all-in-one dish. It’s filling, delicious, and contains all the elements of a complete meal – meat, vegetables, and even a little sweetness. For those looking to introduce something new to their family’s dinner table, embutido is a great option. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be served to both kids and adults alike.
Embutido is also an excellent dish to prepare in advance. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days before being baked, making it perfect for meal prepping or for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking. It can even be frozen, making it an ideal option for making large batches and saving some for later. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a comforting meal that’s just as good as when it was freshly made.
Perfect for Special Occasions
While embutido is perfect for everyday family dinners, it truly shines during special occasions. In the Philippines, it’s a favorite dish during Christmas, New Year, and birthdays. It’s often served alongside other Filipino delicacies, such as lechon (roast pig), pancit (noodles), and lumpia (spring rolls). Because of its colorful and inviting appearance, embutido is also a great dish for potlucks and parties.
It’s the kind of dish that brings people together. The act of sharing a delicious, hearty meal like embutido is a way of showing love and hospitality, which is at the heart of Filipino culture. For Filipinos, food is more than just sustenance it’s a way to connect with others, celebrate important milestones, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Healthier Twist on the Classic Recipe
While Filipino-Style Embutido is already a balanced dish, you can make it even healthier by substituting some of the ingredients. For example, you can opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of pork for a lower-fat version of the dish. You can also incorporate more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or sweet potatoes to boost the nutritional value and add a different flavor profile. For those following a gluten-free diet, you can replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives such as rice crumbs or ground almonds.
Another way to make this dish healthier is by reducing the amount of ketchup or using a homemade, low-sugar alternative. Instead of using a sugary ketchup glaze, try a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar to create a tangy and savory topping.
Embutido for Meal Prep
Filipino-Style Embutido is perfect for meal prepping, especially for those who want to save time on busy weekdays. By preparing a batch of embutido over the weekend, you can easily store it in the refrigerator or freezer and have ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. Simply slice the embutido into individual portions and reheat when needed. You can also pack it for lunch, making it an ideal option for work or school.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Filipino-Style Embutido is more than just a meatloaf it’s a dish that reflects the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine. Whether served on a regular weeknight or at a special family gathering, embutido is a comforting and satisfying dish that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. With its blend of savory, sweet, and hearty ingredients, Filipino-Style Embutido is a dish that brings people together, creating lasting memories and experiences around the dinner table.
This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for personal touches and creative variations. Whether you make it with pork, chicken, or turkey, and add your favorite vegetables and seasonings, Filipino-Style Embutido is sure to be a hit in any household. It’s a recipe that showcases the love and hospitality Filipinos are known for, and it’s a dish that will make anyone feel at home.
Give this delicious Filipino classic a try it’s a comforting, flavorful, and fun dish to share with family and friends!