Dinakdakan is a popular dish of the Ilocano cuisine that is made of grilled and boiled pig parts like the head, ears, brains, and also some innards! Yup, it’s similar to the very famous Filipino dish Sisig because it is also very appetizing. It’s usually grilled and boiled making the dish have a sweet and savory taste, the cooking methods also contribute to the nice texture of the dish. Some people like to add loads of red and green chili letting the Dinakdakan have an extra kick perfect for an extra bowl of rice!

It is not clear as to where and when exactly the original Dinakdakan recipe originated but one thing’s for sure, it is very old. You might notice that the cooking process of Dinakdakan is first simmered with different herbs and spices until the pork innards are soft and tender. It is then grilled and charred until the outside becomes cooked and crispy. Finally, it is cut into bite-sized pieces before tossing it with calamansi, vinegar, red onions, and chili peppers. To top it off, the pork brain is then mashed completely and then incorporated with the entire dish, providing an additional texture and creaminess. This cooking process is something that would be going on in our tradition for a long, long time! 

Dinakdakan or Warek-Warek is loved not only by the Ilocanos but also by all the Filipinos! In fact, more and more Ilocano food eateries and restaurants are being loved all over the country! This is because the Ilocano cuisine is so unique and delicious at the same time. Who would be able to resist the yummy Ilocos Empanada, Vigan Longganisa, Bagnet, Pinapaitan, Dinengdeng, and of course, Dinakdakan? Those dishes are all gifts from the heavens that we should always be thankful for. 

Dinakdakan is best enjoyed as a dish paired with a cup of freshly cooked rice and calamansi but you can also pair it with a couple of ice-cold beers while watching your favorite sports team! Alright, I think you’re already drooling over this yummy dish. So, without further ado, let’s begin. Today, Panlasang Pinoy Recipes will teach us how to make the famous Ilocano dish Dinakdakan at home!

Dinakdakan Recipe

As we’ve mentioned earlier, this Dinakdakan recipe is highly similar to our all-time favorite Filipino dish, the Sisig. That being said, we’ll need unusual pork cuts and parts. However, you don’t have to worry! You can easily get all of the ingredients we’ll need from your local markets and grocery stores. So, are you ready? Then let’s start!

First, the ingredients we’ll need are the following: onions, red chili, green chili, Knorr seasoning liquid, calamansi, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, bay leaf, garlic, water, and of course, the pork belly and pork face. If you want your Dinakdakan dish to be extra spicy, then you can always add a little bit more chili. Personally for me, the spicier the better! 

To begin, simply boil the pork with salt, pepper, bay leaf, and garlic. Let the pork be cooked until it becomes soft and tender. Once done, you will now have to grill the pork until it becomes crispy and charred. This provides an additional layer of flavor and texture to the dish! After that, you can now cut the pork into bite-sized portions and set them aside. 

Now, let’s go mixing! In a bowl, mix the boiled and grilled pork bits with mayonnaise, calamansi, Knorr seasoning, chilies, and sliced onion. Mix them all well until all the flavors are incorporated with one another. You can also adjust the seasoning depending on your preference. As for me, more chilies!

Finally, serve it with freshly cooked white rice and a pair of calamansi and chilies on the side. It also perfectly fits with an ice-cold glass of soft drinks, yum! And voila! Just like that, you’ve successfully made your own version of the famous Ilokano Dinakdakan at home!

What did you think? It’s very easy, right? After the boiling and the grilling, you would just have to mix everything up and you’re done! Now, you can always cook a very delicious meal for any occasion. 

Did you like this Dinakdakan recipe? Well, you know what to do! For more quick and exciting Filipino dish recipes, follow Panlasang Pinoy Recipes.