Dinakdakan Recipe

A smoky, creamy Ilocano pork dish made from grilled pig parts

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 30

Total Time1 40

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: dinakdakan, pulutan, warek warek

Servings: people

Calories: 371kcal

Author: Vanjo Merano

Ingredients

1 lb. pig ears
1 lb. pig face maskara
6 ounces pig liver
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 red onion sliced
6 chili peppers chopped
4 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
1 teaspoon ginger minced (optional)
3 pieces bay leaves optional
1 tablespoon whole peppercorn optional
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Pour 6 to 8 cups water in a cooking pot. Let boil.
8 cups water
Once the water starts to boil, you have the option to add dried bay leaves and whole peppercorn. Add-in the pig ears and face. Set the heat to low and continue to boil for 50 to 60 minutes.
1 lb. pig ears, 3 pieces bay leaves, 1 tablespoon whole peppercorn, 1 lb. pig face
Discard the water and let the excess water drip. Rub a little bit of salt all over the boiled ears and face. Rub the ginger powder on the liver.
Salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon ginger powder
Heat-up the grill. Grill the ears and face for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until it turns a bit crisp, but not burnt. Grill the liver for 5 to 8 minutes depending on the thickness.
Remove the grilled pig parts from the grill. Let it cool down and start chopping into bite-size pieces.
Meanwhile, combine mayonnaise and vinegar in mixing bowl. Stir.
1/2 cup mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons white vinegar
Add some ground black pepper. Continue to stir until the ingredients are well blended.
Salt and pepper to taste
Add the ginger, chili, onion, and garlic powder (optional). Toss.
1 red onion, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve. Share and enjoy!

Notes

Why Boiling is Essential for Perfect Dinakdakan

Boiling the pork parts first is very important in making dinakdakan. This step tenderizes tough cuts like the ears and face, making them easier to chew and enhancing their flavors. Skipping the boiling step would leave the meat too tough, which affects the texture and makes it harder to fully enjoy. Boiling also helps remove any impurities from the meat, ensuring a cleaner taste before grilling. So, don’t skip this step if you want dinakdakan that’s tender, flavorful, and satisfying!

Nutrition