Dinakdakan originated in the Ilokos region in the Philippines and in my opinion is an Ilokano version of sisig, a pork dish originated in Pampanga. The only difference is the additional ingredient which is the pork brain but some other version uses only mayonnaise to make it creamy. The pork parts used in dinakdakan is usually pork mask, nape, ears, intestines and liver but you can also use pork belly just like the sisig version. In this recipe only pork mask and ears are used because it is laborious cleaning the pig’s intestines. This is just to make the dish as simple as possible but savory and close to the authentic Ilokano dinakdakan dish.
In a pot, put the face mask and ear and pour water just enough to cover the pork, more or less 7 cups. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer until fork tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Slice the pork mask and ears and grill it in a stove top grill or a non-stick pan until the fat is rendered and becomes brown crispy. Slice into strips and put into a bowl. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the onion, bird's eye chili peppers, green pepper, onion, ginger, mayonnaise, calamansi juice, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
Heat and empty non-stick pan and saute the pork brain. Season with salt and pepper and stir until cooked and becomes a paste like consistency. Remove from the pan and put it on the bowl on top of the sliced pork mask.
Pour the mixture of vinegar and spices on the sliced pork mask and toss until the mixture is evenly distributed with the pork.
Season again with salt and pepper to adjust the taste. Garnish with spring onions.
Manny Montala is a webmaster and admin of this blog and one of his interest is on the area of Filipino dishes and recipes. Please visit this blog often and bookmark. Please read my about page for details. Thanks for visiting. Favorite Bible Verse: For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
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