Sugar-Free Homemade Pork Tocino

Indulge in the sweet, savory goodness of **Sugar-Free Homemade Pork Tocino**, a healthier spin on the beloved Filipino classic! This guilt-free recipe swaps traditional sugar for erythritol sweetener, making it a perfect choice for those on keto or low-sugar diets. Tender pork belly is marinated in a bold mix of garlic powder, paprika, annatto (for a vibrant hue), and tangy cider vinegar, creating a symphony of flavors that caramelize beautifully when cooked. Quick to prepare and rich in taste, this tocino is pan-fried to perfection without the need for additional oil, thanks to the pork's natural fat. Serve this gluten-free and sugar-free delight alongside garlic rice and sunny-side-up eggs for an authentic Filipino breakfast experience that’s both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for family meals or meal prepping, this recipe is proof that comfort food can be wholesome!

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Pork belly
• 3 tablespoons Erythritol sweetener
• 1 tablespoon Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Annatto powder (optional, for color)
• 2 tablespoons Cider vinegar
• 0.25 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Slice the pork belly into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even marination and cooking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine erythritol, sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, ground black pepper, and annatto powder (if using). Mix well.

Step 3

Add the pork strips to the spice mix, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4

Pour in the cider vinegar and water, then mix everything together until the pork is well-marinated.

Step 5

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pork into a resealable plastic bag, ensuring to push out as much air as possible before sealing.

Step 6

Refrigerate the marinated pork for at least 6 hours, or ideally, overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 7

When ready to cook, remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature.

Step 8

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. No additional oil is needed as the pork will render its own fat.

Step 9

Pan-fry the marinated pork in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 8-10 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through.

Step 10

Transfer the cooked tocino to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 11

Serve hot as a main dish, paired with rice and eggs, for a classic Filipino meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(649.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2620.4

Total Fat 265.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 360mg	0%
Sodium 7347.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 42.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.6g	0%
Total Sugars 0.3g
Protein 47.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 52.0mg	0%
Iron 2.9mg	0%
Potassium 752.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 86.8%

Protein: 7.0%

Carbs: 6.2%