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
Millie Cuizon says
Can I bake the Embutido , the same way I bake meatloaf? They are very similar.
Thanking you in advance,
Millie
Janie says
Hi!
Can I make this without the egg and the Vienna sausages? I'm pregnant and I don't like the thought of consuming egg that has been frozen! And i also don't like Vienna sausages.
Thank you!
Lalaine says
Yes, you can omit the boiled eggs and Vienna sausages. They're only added to classic embutido to make it pretty but it'd still be delicious without them ๐
Grace says
Iโve followed the measurements and steamed my embutido and have to say this is simply the best! So good that my family loves them so much that they couldnโt forget about it. I wished I have found this recipe earlier! Now, Iโm eager to try your other dishes!
Lalaine says
Yay! I am glad everyone liked the embutido. Thank so much for taking the time to leave feedback. ๐
Nikki says
Any recommendations for making it without the pineapple? I'm allergic, but would love to try this recipe!
Lalaine Manalo says
You can just omit it ๐
Eloisa Matibag says
Hi Ms Lalaine! I just want to say i am an avid fan. basta lutong pinoy i see too it that i check kawaling pinoy first. question about this recipe po. if i want to add liver spread, which part of the steps would i do so?
also, does it have to be fried before freezing? or its ok as long as it's steamed? thank you po
Lalaine says
Hello Eloisa,
I am so happy you find the recipes here useful.
In regards to this embutido, you can add the liver spread to the ground pork along with the other ingredients. No need to fry before freezing, it's actually best to keep them wrapped in foil so they'll keep longer. And yes, you can steam them as well. I've never tried steaming personally but I think about 40 to 50 minutes should be ok. Just pierce one log with a fork, if juices run clear they should be done. To be more accurate, you can also use a thermometer. Insert in the center, if it reads 160 F, the embutido is done ๐
San says
Hi Ms. Lalaine,
Just wondering what to substitute to ketchup and of this can be done with chicken?
Ann says
How long do I cook this in the steamer? And can I add some cheese in it? Thank you in advance!
Katlyn says
Hellow po maam yung embutidu nio pwede po bang lagyan ng cassava
Lalaine says
Hello Katlyn,
I am sorry but I've never tried adding cassava to pork embutido. For what purpose? As extender or thickener? I don't think cassava will be a good option; you might want to try breadcrumbs instead.
danna says
bago ifreeze yung embutido, dapat bang luto na?
Lalaine says
Yes, cook first bago i-freezer ๐
Romina Estrada says
Hello po! Can i use the steamer for siomai po jnstead of the stainless steamer i have seen in you tube?.. thanks a lot po!
Lalaine says
Yung steamer ba na bamboo? Yes pwede siya basta kasya yung pork roll sa loob.
Pilipinas says
This Embutido Recipe is one of the Great Pinoy Recipe. I Actually made this one with some twist and can be seen on my Blog.
Vim says
Hello,
After thawing the embutido from the freezer, do i have to steam it again before serving? I donโt like to fry it if I have other options that i could try.
Thank you!
Lalaine Manalo says
No need to steam again. Just thaw for a few hours in the refrigerator and then pan-fry until heated through and lightly browned.
Deena says
hi again..is it ok if i skip the crushed pineapple or it would taste different?
Thanks in advance ๐
Lalaine says
Hello Deena,
You can omit it if you want. I like to add it because it adds tangy and sweet flavors like sweet relish would.
mylene wenceslao says
ask ko lang po kung ano pinaka the best na binder para sa embutido na kahit i cut sya buo pa dn sya?ty!
Lalaine says
Hello Mylene,
Itlog lang ang gamit ko and I don't add flour or bread crumbs. They shouldn't fall apart pagka cut basta let them cool well first before slicing.
Babes says
Hello there. May I ask if this one won't scatter but will bind well?? I followed other people's recipe and crumbled kasi when sliced?? Thanks . Eager to try your recipe.
Lalaine Manalo says
It won't. Just allow it to cool completely before frying.
Alona says
Hi lalaine,
I am planning to start a business for embutido, i made 4kilos at first. Which one you recomend bread crums or flour. And also i want my embutido sweet is it ketchup or brownsugar. Thank you
donna says
I just want to ask what else to add vegetables to have a twist. because we are trying to put up a business i just want to make it more nutritious
Lalaine says
You add red and green bell peppers ๐
Anna mia palma says
Hi madam gud eve,i like the recipe and its taste good,the only problem is that pag pinipirito ko xa nadudurog xa even i add bread crums
Honey says
Hi. Can I use pressure cooker instead of a steamer or instead of baking?
Lalaine says
Hello Honey,
I am sure you can as I usually do meatloaves in my Instant Pot. I do 20 minutes on high pressure for my meatloaf but since these embutido loaves are thinner, you might want to try 10 to 15 minutes.
Karina says
Hi! I'm sure I can use my Instant Pot to steam the embutido rolls but I am curious if you've tried that method and how long did you steam the rolls? Thanks!
Lalaine says
Hello Karina,
I've never tried embutido but I have made meatloaf in my Instant Pot and I am giving the time and procedure would be the same. Depending on the thickness of the loaf, I would say about 10 to 15 minutes on high pressure. I am sorry I can't be more specific, embutido in the Instant Pot is definitely on my to-do list now!