The Fusion Fiesta
chicken tocino, a beloved Filipino breakfast staple, is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia and comfort, often enjoyed with a side of garlic rice and a sunny-side-up egg. Today, we’re taking this classic Filipino dish and giving it a global twist, infusing it with flavors from around the world.
Ingredients:
Image Source: curiousflavors.com
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Preparation:
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, calamansi juice, honey, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. Grill or Broil: Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Grill or broil the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 2-3 minutes.
3. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken tocino immediately with your favorite sides.
Total Time: 2 hours (marinating time) + 20 minutes (cooking time) = 2 hours and 20 minutes
Serving Ideas:
Asian Fusion: Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables, a drizzle of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
A Culinary Journey
This recipe is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. By blending the sweet and savory flavors of Filipino cuisine with the global influences of Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican flavors, we’ve created a dish that is both familiar and exciting.
The sweet and tangy marinade, combined with the smoky grill marks, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is a celebration of diversity and a reminder that the best food often comes from unexpected combinations.
