Embutido and Similar Dishes: Exploring the World of Meatloaf and Sausage Rolls

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated August 17, 2022

Pork embutido is a Filipino meatloaf dish made with ground pork. It’s usually stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, sausages, and sliced ham.

The dish is prepared in 2 ways: steaming and baking. However, steaming is more popular throughout the Philippines, as it keeps the meat juicier and from drying out due to extensive heat.

Though the dish is eaten quite commonly, it’s also the star of the table on special occasions, such as Christmas and fiestas. It can be eaten both hot and chilled.

Hot embutido is often paired with rice to capture the full essence of the dish and make it enjoyable for the eater, even if it crumbles. However, when cold, it’s eaten alone, without any side dishes.

The only thing that you’ll see with it is banana sauce. However, it’s not necessary.

Even ketchup would work in ordinary settings, like a good afternoon snack. I mean, who cares if it tastes good? ;)

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Origin

The origin story of embutido (full recipe here) is quite interesting. It comes from the Philippines, takes its name from the Spanish, and is inspired by American meatloaf.

According to the recorded history of the dish, it was made between 1898 and 1946, during the American colonial period. As the Americans colonized the region, the American canning industry also expanded to the islands, and the influx of processed meat and canned food saw an all-time high.

With an abundance of meat and canned food, and the somewhat experimental temperament of Filipinos with food came into being a new recipe: the pork embutido.

This dish basically combined every ingredient that was canned at the time and made it into a delicious dish. The only thing they didn’t get creative with was the name “embutido”, which is the Spanish word for “sausage”.

To eliminate confusion, sausages are known under the terms “chorizo” and “longganisa” in the Philippines, and “embutido” is reserved exclusively for the meatloaf dish.

Though some sources claim that the dish’s origin traces back to the 15th century and is inspired by the Spanish sausage, or “embutido,” there’s not much evidence to support it. Plus, embutido was a generic term that doesn’t expressly point to one particular dish, but a group of it.

Mastering the Art of Embutido: Quick Tips

When making embutido, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

• Use a combination of ground pork and beef for a more flavorful embutido.
• Beaten eggs are a great binder for the meat mixture. Use one egg for every pound of meat.
• Bread crumbs or extenders like grated carrots or potatoes can help stretch the meat mixture and make more embutido loaves.
• Crushed canned pineapples can add moisture to the meat mixture and make the embutido juicier.

Shaping and Steaming

Shaping and steaming the embutido can be a bit tricky, but with these quick tips, you’ll be a pro in no time:

• Use foil to shape the embutido into a loaf. This will help hold the shape while steaming.
• Make sure to cool the embutido completely before slicing. This releases the juices and helps the embutido hold its shape.
• Steaming the embutido is the best way to cook it. Frying can cause the meat to stick to the pan and lose its shape.

Storage and Serving

Proper storage and serving can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying embutido. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:

• Wrap the embutido in foil before steaming to keep the juices from escaping.
• Store leftover embutido in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To serve, slice the embutido into rounds and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Satisfy Your Cravings: Serving Suggestions for Embutido

Embutido is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some great serving suggestions to try:

• Slice the embutido into large pieces and serve it as a main dish with rice and steamed vegetables.
• Cut the embutido into thin slices and serve it as a sandwich filling with pandesal or your favorite bread.
• Add sliced embutido to your favorite fried rice recipe for an extra satisfying meal.
• Serve embutido rolls with gravy or sweet chili sauce for a quick and easy dinner.

Creating the Perfect Embutido Roll

Embutido is a meatloaf-like dish that is rolled into a rectangular shape and baked in the oven. Here are some tips for creating the perfect embutido roll:

• Mix the ground pork or beef with crushed Vienna sausages, onions, and beaten eggs to create the filling.
• Spread the mixture evenly on a double layer of foil, leaving a 1-inch opening on one side.
• Carefully roll the embutido into a loaf shape, using the foil to help shape it.
• Arrange the embutido on a roasting rack and bake for 45-60 minutes at 350°F.
• Allow the embutido to cool completely before slicing it into even pieces.

Adding Extra Flavor to Embutido

Embutido is a satisfying dish on its own, but you can add extra flavor by incorporating these ingredients:

• Mix in some grated cheese or diced ham to the filling mixture before rolling.
• Add a cup of cooked rice to the filling mixture to make it more filling.
• Spread ketchup or sweet chili sauce on top of the embutido before baking for extra flavor.
• Mix in some crushed chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling mixture for a spicy kick.

Nutrition and Keeping Embutido Fresh

Embutido is a great source of protein and vitamin B12, but it can also be high in fat and sodium. Here are some tips for keeping embutido fresh and healthy:

• Store embutido in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To freeze embutido, wrap it tightly in foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• When reheating embutido, make sure to heat it fully in the oven or on the stove to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
• To reduce the fat content, use lean ground pork or beef and remove any excess fat before mixing the ingredients.

How Long Can You Keep Embutido Fresh?

Embutido is a popular Filipino dish made of ground meat, vegetables, and spices. It is usually served during special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. If you’re wondering how long you can keep embutido fresh, here are some things to keep in mind:

• The shelf life of embutido depends on how it is stored. If you store it properly, it can last for several days or even weeks.
• If you bought embutido from a store, check the label for the expiration date. Most store-bought embutido can last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
• If you made embutido at home, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil to keep it fresh.
• If you want to extend the shelf life of embutido, you can freeze it. Frozen embutido can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating.

Storing Embutido

To ensure that your embutido stays fresh for as long as possible, here are some tips on how to store it:

• If you bought embutido from a store, keep it in its original packaging until you’re ready to eat it. Once opened, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it in foil.
• If you made embutido at home, let it cool down to room temperature before storing it. Then, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container.
• Store embutido in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below.
• If you want to freeze embutido, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container. Label it with the date and store it in the freezer at 0°F or below.

Embutido’s Cousins: Similar Dishes You Should Try

If you’re a fan of embutido, then you should definitely try the Spanish roulade. It’s a dish that’s similar to embutido, but with a Spanish twist. Here are some things you should know about Spanish roulade:

• It’s a stuffed and rolled dish that’s usually made with pork or beef.
• The stuffing can vary, but it’s usually made with a combination of vegetables, herbs, and spices.
• It’s cooked by either frying or steaming.

Filipino Stuffed Chicken

Another dish that’s similar to embutido is the Filipino stuffed chicken. It’s a dish that’s popular in the Philippines and is usually served during special occasions. Here are some things you should know about Filipino stuffed chicken:

• It’s a whole chicken that’s stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices.
• The chicken is then either roasted or fried.
• It’s a dish that’s usually served with rice and a side of vegetables.

Italian Braciole

If you’re looking for a dish that’s similar to embutido, but with an Italian twist, then you should try braciole. Here are some things you should know about braciole:

• It’s a dish that’s made with thin slices of beef that are stuffed with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
• The beef is then rolled up and secured with toothpicks.
• It’s usually cooked by either frying or braising.

Mexican Chiles Rellenos

Chiles rellenos is a dish that’s similar to embutido, but with a Mexican twist. Here are some things you should know about chiles rellenos:

• It’s a dish that’s made with poblano peppers that are stuffed with a mixture of cheese, meat, and spices.
• The peppers are then battered and fried.
• It’s a dish that’s usually served with rice, beans, and a side of salsa.

Conclusion

So there you have it- everything you need to know about embutido. It’s a Filipino dish made with ground meat and wrapped in a cabbage leaf, and it’s delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra vitamins and minerals into your diet.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.