Sisig is a popular Filipino dish that originated from the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga. It typically consists of chopped pig’s face and ears, seasoned with calamansi (Philippine lime), onions, and chili peppers. The meat is usually boiled, grilled, and then chopped finely before being sautéed with these seasonings.
Modern variations of sisig may include different meats such as chicken, tuna, or even tofu for vegetarian versions. It’s often served sizzling on a hot plate, topped with a raw egg that cooks slightly from the residual heat. Sisig is known for its rich flavor, combining tangy, spicy, and savory elements, and it’s commonly enjoyed as a main dish or as pulutan (appetizer or beer snack) in Filipino cuisine.
Making a Keto Filipino Crispy Tofu Sisig involves a clever twist on the traditional sisig dish, which typically features chopped and seasoned pork parts served on a sizzling plate.
Here’s how to create a keto-friendly version using tofu as the main ingredient:
Keto Filipino Crispy Tofu Sisig Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed to remove excess water
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon calamansi juice or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional: 1 raw egg (for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu:
Cut the drained tofu into small cubes or thin slices, depending on your preference for texture. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Pan-Fry the Tofu:
Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the tofu cubes or slices in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil if needed.
Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
Add the chopped green chilies and red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine Tofu and Seasonings:
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
Drizzle soy sauce, vinegar, and calamansi juice (or lemon juice) over the tofu mixture.
Season with ground black pepper and salt to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Sizzle and Serve:
Optionally, transfer the Keto Crispy Tofu Sisig to a sizzling plate if available. Let it sizzle for a minute or two to enhance the aroma.
Garnish with chopped green onions.
Optional Egg Topping For a traditional touch, crack a raw egg on top of the sizzling sisig while it’s still hot. Let it cook slightly from the residual heat of the dish.
Serve Keto Crispy Tofu Sisig immediately while hot. Enjoy as a main dish or appetizer.
Notes:
- Tofu Texture: Pressing the tofu before cooking helps it crisp up better when pan-fried.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables such as mushrooms or cauliflower florets to the dish.
- Egg Option: If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, omit this step or use a pasteurized egg.
This Keto Filipino Crispy Tofu Sisig recipe offers a tasty and satisfying alternative to the traditional meat-based dish, showcasing the versatility of tofu in Filipino cuisine while remaining suitable for a ketogenic diet.
