Homemade Pork Tocino

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork butt, sliced to ¼-inch thick
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 drops red food coloring
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons canola oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine pork, sugar, salt, garlic, pepper, and red food coloring. Massage meat with curing mixture until well-distributed and evenly colored.
2. Store in a covered container or ziplock bag and refrigerate overnight to cure.
3. In a pan over medium heat, add pork including marinade and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat, cover and simmer until meat is tender and cooked through, adding more water in ½ cup increments as needed. 
5. When water is completely absorbed and meat is tender, add oil and cook, stirring regularly, until meat caramelizes. Serve hot.

Notes

1. For a tender chew, slice the pork across the grain.
2. Not a fan of food coloring? Substitute about 1 teaspoon atsuete powder or ¼ cup of banana ketchup.