Pork Embutido is a Filipino-style meatloaf made with a festive mixture of ground pork, carrots, and raisins wrapped around slices of eggs and sausage. Steamed to perfection, they're great for everyday dinner meals as well as special occasions. And freezable, too!
I have tweaked my pork embutido recipe many times over the years, experimenting and trying different additions (here's looking at you, liver spread) until I finally arrived at that sweet spot of flavor and texture I've been looking for. If I may, ahem, say so myself, my version of embutido is always a party hit and a frequent request of family and friends. ๐
What is Embutido
Embutido is a Filipino-style meatloaf made with ground pork, chicken or beef, shredded carrots, crushed pineapple or sweet pickle relish, and raisins. The meat mixture is rolled around hard-boiled eggs and sausage into a cylindrical log and wrapped tightly in foil.
The foil-wrapped loaf is then steamed or baked in a water bath until cooked through and set. They can be served cold or lightly fried until golden brown.
Ingredient notes
- Don't skip browning the onions! This step caramelizes the onions, drawing out their natural sweetness.
- I like the fruity sweetness of canned crushed pineapples but feel free to substitute sweet pickle relish if you like.
- If banana ketchup is unavailable, you can use tomato sauce or ketchup.ย
- You can add finely chopped red or green bell peppers and shredded carrots for color, texture, and extra nutrition.
- You can also add shredded cheese if you want a touch of savory and creaminess.
- I use Vienna sausage for the stuffing, but Filipino hot dogs, Chinese sausage, and ham or luncheon meat strips will work, too.
Quick tips
- I use beaten eggs as a binder and skip the bread crumbs as I don't like adding extenders and I find the embutido will hold its shape without them. Stirring the mixture together releases the beef's myosin, which helps it stick together.
- Make sure the meat is fully thawed, and canned ingredients such as crushed pineapples are well-drained, as the extra moisture might affect the loaf consistency.
- Let the steamed meatloaves stand for about 10 minutes before opening the foil for the juices to redistribute, keeping the loaf moist.
- Cool completely before frying and slicing so it won't fall apart.
Storage and reheating instructions
Embutido is usually reserved for holidays or fiestas due to its somewhat elaborate prep process, but I see no reason why you have to wait for a special occasion to make them. Not only can you easily double (or triple) the recipe, the steamed loaves will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.
Once or twice a month, I roll up my sleeves, roll up a dozen meatloaves, and store them in the freezer to have handy when the craving hits. Keeping a steady supply in the freezer has saved me from worrying about dinner on busy weeknights or when I have unexpected guests. I thaw the loaves overnight in the fridge and pan-fry in hot oil until lightly browned and completely heated.
Serving suggestions
You can never go wrong with a few pork rolls in the fridge! Pair them with rice and banana ketchup or sweet chili sauce for a satisfying dinner or sandwich between pandesal for a quick mid-afternoon snack.
More party recipes
Ingredients
- canola oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 ยฝ pounds ground pork
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
- ยผ cup raisins
- ยผ cup banana ketchup
- 3 eggs, well-beaten
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
For Filling
- 3 eggs, hardboiled, peeled and quartered
- 3 pieces vienna sausages, cut into four lengthwise
Equipment
- baking dish
- rack
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- In a pan over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onions and cook until softened. Remove from pan and allow to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, crushed pineapple, carrots, sauteed onions, raisins, ketchup, beaten eggs, salt and pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed.
- On the center of a 12-inch aluminum foil, spread โ of the pork mixture creating a rectangular shape.
- Arrange sliced eggs and Vienna sausages in the middle of pork mixture.
- Carefully roll mixture to form a log of about 3-inch in diameter. Wrap the foil around the meat and crimp ends of foil to seal tightly. Double wrap roll with foil. Repeat with remaining pork mixture.
- In a roasting pan, add about 2 inches of water. Arrange foil-wrapped pork mixture on a roasting rack and position rack on top of the water-filled pan.
- Bake in the oven for about 50 to 60 minutes or a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160 F.
- Remove from the heat and let stand for about 8 to 10 minutes before opening the foil.ย Cool completely before frying.
- In a pan, heat about 1 inch deep of oil. Add embutido and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
- Let stand for about 3 to 5 minutes before slicing into desired thickness. Serve hot.
Notes
- I use beaten eggs as a binder and skip the bread crumbs as I don't like adding extenders and I find the embutido will hold its shape without them. Stirring the mixture together releases the beef's myosin, which helps it stick together.
- Make sure the meat is fully thawed, and canned ingredients such as crushed pineapples are well-drained, as the extra moisture might affect the loaf consistency.
- Let the steamed meatloaves stand for about 10 minutes before opening the foil for the juices to redistribute, keeping the loaf moist.
- Cool completely before frying and slicing so it won't fall apart.
Video
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Alma LV says
Hi there, question. How can I keep it in the freezer? Thank you
Lalaine says
Just put the embutido with the foil intact in resealable bags and store in the coldest part of your freezer. They'll keep well for 2 to 3 months.
Krissy d says
I've cooked your embutido countless times ate lalaine. The whole family loves them so much. Thank you so much for the inspiration. God bless you more!
Ps I love that you finally put the nutrition facts
Lalaine says
Thank you for the feedback, Krissy. This embutido is a favorite here in our house so I am glad your family liked them as much.
Yes, I am working on nutrition facts for all the recipes. It's taking a bit of time as it's hard to find nutritional values for stuff like pork blood (dinuguan) or pork ears. ๐
Nikko Canillo says
Hi Ms. Lallaine, i've been cooking your recipes for a while now and it works like a magic to me. I never cook my whole life before i found your blog.
I'm now planning to cook Embutido for my pregnant wife this coming weekend.
I'm looking forward for your upcoming recipes.
More powers and godbless. ๐
Nikko
Lalaine says
Thank you so much for the feedback, Nikko. I am glad you find the recipes useful. Congratulations on the new baby ๐
Adrie says
Ok pa rin bang iluto kahit seven days na sa chiller yung embutido? Thanks!
Lalaine says
I usually don't keep food in the refrigerator longer than 3 days, yun kasi ang recommendation nang Department of Health when I used to manage a commercial kitchen. Kahit kasi walang amoy, the food might not be safe to eat. If it was in the freezer, good siya for a few months because of the sub zero temp.
Marilyn says
Hi. I got this message when I was going to get your free recipe book
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Please notify the website owner.
Thanks
Lalaine says
I just checked it, will you please try again?
elena says
Gano po katagal pedevi freeze?
Lalaine says
It will last for a few months in the freezer basta maganda ang pagkabalot at stable ang temp nang freezer.
Jennie says
Okay lang po ba na wala syang any flour and bell pepper? Mabubuo po ba yan khit eggs ln?tnx po
Lalaine says
Hello Jennie,
Yes, ok lang without flour and bell peppers. ๐ Just make sure you roll the embutido tightly para mabuo nang maayos.
Maha says
Hi Lalaine, can i substitute pork with chicken coz i am a Muslim and want to try your version of embutido? Will it suit the other ingredients?
Lalaine says
Yes, you can. I use chicken or even turkey for embutido and they turn out just as delicious ๐
Leah Uy says
Hello Lalaine,
I just want to confirm that the set up will be same as steaming but, I will be baking it instead of ordinary steaming lang?
Thanks,
Leah
Lalaine says
Hello Leah
Yes, bain marie siya, para na ring naka i-steam but sa oven. Lagay lang yung mga embutido sa isang rack and then set the rack on a pan of water, para lang nakaangat ang embutido sa water.
Anna says
Hello, Lalaine! I'm glad I found your blog. This is the first time I will be cooking embutido. I chose your recipe because it calls for pineapples, and I am a fan of putting pineapple in savory dishes. I have a few questions though. We don't have an oven but we have a steamer. How long do you reckon I have to steam the embutido? Also, I am planning to make a batch of embutido good for a few weeks. Do I have to steam them first before storing in the freezer then just reheat after, or do I put it inside the freezer first before steaming and frying? Thank you for sharing and more power! ๐
Lalaine says
Hello Anna
Yes, you can steam these embutido. I think about 1 hour of steaming will be enough. Pierce one of the embutido with a knife and if juices run clear, they're done. I usually bake a good amount and keep them in the freezer for future use. I'd say they're good for a month or two in the freezer. Keep them wrapped in foil and place them in ziplock bags. Hope this helps ๐
Nerizza says
Hello Lalaine,
Nako.....ang sarap naman! Thank you for your delicious recipe. It's wonderful!!
Nerizza
Lalaine says
Thank you, Nerizza ๐
isabel says
I tried your recipe and this is kinda different in all the recipes I tried .. I put too much salt on my mixture so I just told them to eat it with lots of rice ๐
Lalaine says
Hello Isabel
Hahaha, drowning salty foods in ketchup works, too ๐
Next time, put less of the salt you think you need then pan-fry a small amount of the pork mixture and do a taste test. You can can adjust seasonings, if necessary (salt, pepper etc).
Edz says
Hi Ms. Lalaine!
Your recipes are really, really good! They are also easy to follow and always have these inspiring and lovely introductions which I love to read. Have been using your recipes since last year when I found your best leche flan recipe which I receive so many good compliments with..:-) From then on, I've been dependent of your blogs..
Thank you so much for sharing all your amazing recipes! God bless!
Lalaine says
Hello Edz
I am so humbled by your comment. Thank you very much. ๐
Meg mc says
First time to make embutido and it's a hit!! Thanks for the delicious recipe. Btw, before i put it in the freezer, do i have to steam/bake it first?
Lalaine says
Hi Meg
Yes, cook it first then all you have to do when ready to eat is thaw it out and pan-fry. Enjoy!
jansen david says
tried it and i really liked it! thanks for this great recipe. god bless
Grace Sisracon says
I tried your pork embutido just a few days ago and it's a winner... My hubby brought it to his work for his lunch and shared it with his "pare" .When my husband came home, he said his friend liked it and asked if he can order some roll. My son likes it as well. Thanks for sharing your recipe. And May God bless your endeavours.. =)
Lalaine says
Hello, Grace
I am so happy to hear about the success of your embutido. And you received orders, too! Nice. Thank you for taking the time to leave me a feedback. ๐
Isabel Jackson Jackson says
Hi Lalaine, because im in india I can't find banana catsup, can I used tomatoe catsup?
Lalaine says
Hi Isabel
Yes, you can substitute tomato catsup. You can add stir in half a teaspoon of sugar to the tomato catsup, if you want, to get the sweetness of banana catsup. Enjoy!