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Home Recipes

Sinuglaw

Sinuglaw is a dish composed of grilled pork belly and fish ceviche. This can be considered as a main dish or an appetizer.

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By: Vanjo Merano 9 Comments Updated: 1/4/25

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Sinuglaw is a Filipino dish that combines grilled pork (sinugba) with fresh fish marinated in vinegar (kinilaw). Originating in Mindanao, it’s also widely enjoyed in the Visayas, where seafood is plentiful. Some say Sinuglaw is mainly served as pulutan during gatherings, but my talk with a Visayan friend revealed that it’s also a popular dish option on outdoor trips, such as beach outings, because the vinegar helps preserve it longer.

sinuglaw recipe


 

Whether it’s eaten casually or on special occasions, preparing Sinuglaw requires careful attention to balance the flavors and keep its signature taste, and that’s exactly what I’ll guide you through in this recipe.

How To Make Sinuglaw

YouTube video
Preparing the Tuna Base

First, place the cubed tuna in a mixing bowl and pour in ½ cup of vinegar. This first vinegar soak helps to “cook” the tuna slightly. Let it sit for around 8 minutes. Afterward, gently press the tuna pieces with a spoon or fork to help the vinegar penetrate and tenderize each cube. Once done, drain the vinegar completely to avoid an overly tangy taste in the finished Sinuglaw.

Combining Spices and Seasonings

Next, add the thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, julienned ginger, finger chilies, Bird’s eye chilies, and salt to the tuna. Mix the ingredients well. This combination gives the Sinuglaw its crunch, mild heat, and aromatic layers. The salt will also help draw out some moisture and enhance the flavor balance.

Adding Citrus and Final Vinegar Marinade

After that, squeeze the lemon over the mixture, ensuring all the juice is extracted for a fresh, citrusy flavor. Add the remaining ¾ cup of vinegar, mixing everything thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Soak the mixture for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.

Incorporating the Grilled Pork

Finally, add the chopped grilled pork belly to the marinated tuna mixture. Stir carefully, making sure the pork mixes with the tuna and vegetables for an even flavor profile. Let the Sinuglaw rest for at least 1 hour; for best results, chill it in the refrigerator. The cooling time allows the flavors to meld together, bringing out the authentic taste of pork and tuna. Transfer the prepared Sinuglaw onto a serving plate. It’s now ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

pulutan recipe menu

Sinuglaw in Davao

While my recipe today combines grilled pork and tuna kinilaw, the Davao version of Sinuglaw takes it a step further. Its Sinuglaw, a local delicacy there, features green mango and jicama for added crunch and tang, especially popular in restaurant settings. Some regional recipes in Mindanao also include the unique ingredient called tabon-tabon, a rare fruit known for its tart flavor and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the “fishy” taste in seafood. For today, though, I’ll focus on the simpler version often made at home, featuring the basic, time-tested combination of pork and tuna!

Sinuglaw Ingredients

The ingredients are straightforward, featuring pork, tuna, and various spices. However, pay close attention to the proportions and adjust them based on the number of servings to ensure the vinegar doesn’t become too dominant.

  • 1 lb Inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly), chopped – Adds a savory, smoky depth to the dish. The fat in the pork belly balances the sharpness of the vinegar and spices. Make sure to chop it into small pieces so it mixes well with the tuna and vegetables.
  • 1 lb fresh tuna meat, cubed – The star seafood ingredient. Cubing the tuna helps it absorb the vinegar quickly for a tangy “cooked” texture.
  • 2 cups cucumber, seeded and thinly sliced – Brings a cooling, crunchy element that lightens the dish. Seeding it prevents excess water from diluting the flavors.
  • 1 1/4 cup vinegar (cane, white, or coconut vinegar) – Is essential for marinating and “cooking” the tuna. It gives the dish its tangy flavor while balancing the richness of the pork.
  • 1 medium-sized red onion, sliced – Adds a mild spice and crunch. Thin slices allow the onion’s flavor to infuse without overpowering the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, julienned – Without ginger, the dish may taste flat and lack a slightly spicy undertone.
  • 4 pieces finger chilies, sliced – Provide a mild heat, adding layers of flavor without overwhelming the palate. Sliced pieces let you control the spice level based on preference.
  • 1 piece lemon – Without lemon, the dish would miss a zesty lift.
  • 4 to 6 pieces Thai or Bird’s eye chili, chopped – These small, hot chilies bring a fiery kick to the Sinuglaw.
  • 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other ingredients, balancing the vinegar marinade and intensifying the savory and sweet notes.

Serving And Plating

how to make sinuglaw

To serve and plate Sinuglaw, start by transferring the mixture to a clean, wide serving dish. Arrange it neatly, make sure the tuna, grilled pork, and vegetables are evenly distributed for a balanced look. Garnish with extra slices of finger chilies or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like cilantro, for added color and flavor. For a more festive touch, you can add some lime or lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a cool, refreshing dish that’s perfect for gatherings. Sinuglaw is best enjoyed with rice or as a side to drinks.

Nutritional Breakdown and Tips for Mindful Eating

This Sinuglaw recipe provides around 300-350 calories per serving. It is rich in protein from the pork and tuna, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins. The vinegar helps with digestion and balances the flavors. After eating, it’s important to avoid overeating by giving your body time to feel full. Try to wait at least 20 minutes before reaching for more, as this is how long it takes for your stomach to signal fullness. Drinking water or taking a short walk can also help you feel satisfied and prevent unnecessary snacking.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!

sinuglaw recipe

Sinuglaw

A Filipino dish from Mindanao that combines grilled pork and tuna fish marinated in vinegar
Prep: 20 minutes minutes
Cook: 10 minutes minutes
Total: 30 minutes minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb Inihaw na liempo grilled pork belly, chopped
  • 1 lb fresh tuna meat cubed
  • 2 cups cucumber seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/4 cup vinegar cane, white, or coconut vinegar
  • 1 medium sized red onion sliced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger julienned
  • 4 pieces finger chilies sliced
  • 1 piece lemon
  • 4 to 6 pieces Thai or Bird’s eye chili chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Place the tuna meat in a bowl then pour-in 1/2 cup of vinegar. Soak for 8 minutes.
    1 lb fresh tuna meat, 1 1/4 cup vinegar
  • Using a spoon of fork, press the tuna meat lightly.
  • Drain the vinegar then combine cucumber, onion, ginger, finger chili, Thai or Bird’s eye chili, and salt. Mix well.
    2 cups cucumber, 1 medium sized red onion, 2 tablespoons ginger, 4 pieces finger chilies, 4 to 6 pieces Thai or Bird’s eye chili, 1 teaspoon salt
  • Squeeze the lemon until all the juices are extracted then pour-in the remaining 3/4 cup vinegar. Mix well and soak for 10 minutes.
    1 piece lemon, 1 1/4 cup vinegar
  • Put-in the Grilled pork belly and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture stand for at least 1 hour (you may place this inside the refrigerator).
    1 lb Inihaw na liempo
  • Transfer to a serving plate then serve.
  • Share and enjoy!

Notes

How to Fix an Overly Sour Sinuglaw
The biggest mistake when preparing Sinuglaw is using too much vinegar, which can make the dish too sour and overpower the natural flavors of the tuna and pork. If this happens, you can fix it by adding more tuna, grilled pork, or vegetables like cucumber and onion to balance the taste. Another option is to add a small amount of sugar.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 4g Calories: 734kcal (37%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 33g (66%) Fat: 61g (94%) Saturated Fat: 22g (110%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g Monounsaturated Fat: 28g Trans Fat: 0.003g Cholesterol: 122mg (41%) Sodium: 871mg (36%) Potassium: 600mg (17%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 152IU (3%) Vitamin C: 23mg (28%) Calcium: 55mg (6%) Iron: 3mg (17%)
© copyright: Vanjo Merano

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Grilled pork with fish ceviche Filipino recipe

Vanjo Merano

Vanjo Merano is the creator of PanlasangPinoy.com. His goal is to introduce Filipino Food and Filipino Cuisine to the rest of the world. This blog was the first step that he took.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Nancy Panogadia says

    Posted on 4/1/25 at 1:47 am

    Thank you! a big help for me in preparing dishes for my guest .

    Reply
  2. Jessy Lim says

    Posted on 4/22/16 at 6:14 pm

    One of the best I have sinuglaw was in Tacloban City at a restaurant called Ocho.

    Reply
    • Vanjo Merano says

      Posted on 4/23/16 at 9:02 am

      Thanks for the information. I hope to try some of the dishes in Tacloban when I get to visit the place.

      Reply
  3. analyn buaquina says

    Posted on 12/29/15 at 9:34 am

    I want to cook pork and beef for new year. What special dish you may suggest. I am pork lover and my husband as well. Thanks and God bless.

    Reply
  4. Cj says

    Posted on 1/3/14 at 9:18 pm

    Hello Mr. Merano, im a big fan of your website.. Your recipes helped me a lot especially in times when i crave for some of our traditional recipes in the Philippines. I just have 2 questions, where do you buy malunggay leaves and fresh tuna here in the US???

    Thanks,
    CJ

    Reply
    • Vanjo Merano says

      Posted on 1/4/14 at 11:07 am

      CJ, these are usually available in Asian and Filipino stores here in Chicagoland.

      Reply
  5. MJ says

    Posted on 3/10/12 at 7:13 am

    Nakakagutom, this is yummy.. tried this during our Fiesta sa Nayon-HRM Day in our school.. :=)

    Reply
  6. maine says

    Posted on 9/23/10 at 4:35 pm

    we have this all the time when i was still in davao. nakakamiss tuloy! thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  7. beancounter says

    Posted on 8/31/10 at 7:38 pm

    i’ve never heard of this before. Thanks vanjom! Will definitely give this a go next time i have liempo at home!

    Reply

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