Steaming Embutido: A Tasty, Easy-To-Cook Treat

Embutido is a Filipino-style meatloaf, often served at parties and on special occasions. The dish is made from ground pork, vegetables, cheese, raisins, and seasonings. Unlike traditional meatloaf, which is cooked by baking in the oven, embutido is cooked by steaming. To cook embutido in a steamer, first prepare the embutido mixture by mixing ground pork with vegetables, cheese, raisins, seasonings, and binders like eggs and breadcrumbs. Next, wrap the mixture in aluminum foil sheets, moulding it into a cylinder. Then, pour water into a pot, place the wrapped embutido in a steamer, and steam for about an hour. After steaming, let the embutido cool down before slicing and serving.

Preparing the embutido mixture

Once you have your ingredients, combine and mix them all together in a large bowl. You can use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix everything. This mixture will form the outer coating of your embutido.

If you want to add a centre filling, you can place slices of sausage and boiled eggs in the middle of the flattened meat mixture before rolling it into a cylinder.

Now you are ready to wrap your embutido in aluminium foil and place it in the steamer!

Wrapping the embutido

Step 1: Prepare the Aluminium Foil

Lay a sheet of aluminium foil flat on a table or another flat surface. The sheet should be large enough to wrap around the embutido completely. It is recommended to use a sheet that is approximately 8 to 12 inches in length. Make sure the shiny side of the foil is facing down.

Step 2: Scoop the Embutido Mixture

Use a measuring cup or spoon to scoop about 1 cup of the prepared embutido mixture. Place the mixture in the centre of the foil, forming it into a cylinder or log shape. If you are adding fillings such as boiled eggs or sausages, place them in the centre of the meat mixture before rolling.

Step 3: Roll and Secure the Foil

Gently roll the foil downwards, enclosing the embutido mixture inside. Ensure that the ends of the foil are secured tightly to prevent any leakage. You can do this by holding both ends of the foil and turning them in opposite directions simultaneously until the mixture is compact and secure.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Repeat the above steps until you have used up all the embutido mixture. Depending on the size of your foil and the amount of mixture, you should be able to make around 4 to 10 pieces of embutido.

Tips for Wrapping Embutido:

• It is important to wrap the embutido tightly and securely to ensure that it holds its shape during steaming.
• Make sure the foil is not too loose, as steam can accumulate inside and affect the cooking process.
• You can use aluminium foil sheets or try alternative wrapping methods, such as using edible casing or parchment paper. However, foil is the most commonly used and recommended method for steaming embutido.

Cooking the embutido

Embutido is a type of Filipino meatloaf. It is usually served during special occasions and holidays but can be enjoyed at any time. The traditional way to cook embutido is by steaming, but it can also be baked, grilled, or fried.

Preparation

Firstly, prepare your embutido mixture. The ingredients you will need are:

• Ground pork
• Raisins
• Cheese
• Bell pepper
• Sweet pickle relish
• Carrot
• Onion
• Salt and pepper
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. You can use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Wrapping

Next, wrap the ground pork mixture in aluminium foil sheets. Lay a foil sheet flat on a table with the shiny side facing down. Scoop 1 cup of the embutido mixture and place it in the centre of the foil. Mould the mixture into a 6-inch cylinder. Roll the foil downwards and secure both ends by holding them with your fingers and turning them in opposite directions at the same time, pushing the mixture inwards.

Cooking

Now that your embutido pieces are wrapped and secure, it's time to steam them. Pour water into a pot and let it boil. Arrange the embutido in a steamer—you can use a bamboo steamer or any other type. Steam for 1 hour.

Cooling and serving

After steaming, let the embutido cool down. Slicing will be easier when it's not hot, and it's recommended to refrigerate it for at least 3 hours before serving.

Embutido can be enjoyed as a main dish with rice, or on its own with mashed potato. It's also great as a sandwich with mayonnaise and cheese.

Cooling the embutido

Once your embutido has been steaming for about an hour, it's time to let it cool down. Place the steamed embutido on the counter for about 10 minutes to cool slightly, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to chill. This will help the embutido firm up and make it easier to slice. If you're planning to freeze your embutido for future use, it's best to chill it in the fridge first to let it set before transferring it to the freezer.

After the embutido has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap the aluminium foil. Slice the embutido into serving pieces—you can cut it into rounds or slices, depending on your preference. If you're not planning to eat the embutido right away, you can return the sliced embutido to the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.

Embutido is typically served cold, but it can also be fried after steaming for a warm and crispy treat. Frying the embutido gives it a different texture and enhances the flavours. Serve your embutido with rice or mashed potatoes, and don't forget the banana ketchup or sweet chilli sauce on the side!

Serving the embutido

Embutido is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It is a great option for everyday meals as well as special occasions and holidays. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious Filipino meatloaf:

• Warm or Cold: Embutido can be enjoyed either warm or cold. It is a great option for a quick meal or snack, as it can be served straight from the fridge.
• With Rice or Bread: For a heartier meal, serve embutido with steamed rice or mashed potatoes. You can also make an embutido sandwich with mayonnaise, cheese, or banana ketchup on the side.
• On Its Own: Embutido is delicious on its own as a main dish. You can also pair it with a side of your choice, such as mashed potatoes or a salad.
• Fried: For an extra special treat, fry the slices of steamed embutido until golden brown. This adds a crispy texture and elevates the dish. Serve with rice and banana ketchup or sweet chili sauce for a mouthwatering combination.
• Broiled: Another option is to broil the embutido in the oven after steaming to give it a charred, crispy exterior. This eliminates the need for frying and creates a similar effect.
• With Dips and Sauces: Embutido goes well with various dips and sauces. Try it with banana ketchup, sweet chili sauce, or mango chutney for a flavour explosion. Tomato ketchup or regular ketchup is also a good option.
• As a Side Business: If you're feeling entrepreneurial, consider selling your homemade embutido! It's a popular dish, and you can easily double or triple the recipe to build up an inventory.
• For Special Occasions: Embutido is commonly served during birthdays, town fiestas, and holidays. It's a festive dish that's perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Embutido is a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, fried or steamed, it's a great option for any occasion. Don't forget to experiment with different dips and sauces to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions