
I first tasted sisig at a pop-up in Dorchester, and that sizzle and aroma have stayed with me since. This version brings that restaurant-quality experience to your kitchen with a simple but authentic approach.
The key is crisping the pork properly and balancing the tangy, savory flavors. A touch of mayonnaise adds richness that complements the dish’s traditional sour notes without overpowering them.
What you get is a sizzling plate of tender pork with caramelized edges, brightened by vinegar and calamansi, all tied together with a velvety finish. It’s the perfect way to introduce Filipino street food flavors at home.
Serve it on a hot platter for that signature sizzle. Here’s everything you need.
Ingredients for Pork Sisig Recipe with Mayonnaise
Pantry staples and a quick stop at the Asian market. Nothing too exotic, just authentic flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder 🥩 | 1 ½ lb | Diced into small pieces |
| Pork Liver 🫒 | ½ lb | Cleaned and diced |
| White Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Finely chopped |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 6 cloves | Minced for depth |
| Calamansi Juice 🍋 | 3 tbsp | Or substitute lime juice |
| White Vinegar 💧 | 3 tbsp | Cane vinegar preferred |
| Mayonnaise 🥚 | ½ cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Soy Sauce 🫒 | 2 tbsp | Use low-sodium if preferred |
| Chili Peppers 🌶️ | 2 whole | Siling labuyo or jalapeño |
| Butter 🧈 | 4 tbsp | Unsalted for balance |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Green Onions 🧅 | ½ cup | Thinly sliced for garnish |
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The pork shoulder is non-negotiable here. Look for well-marbled cuts at your butcher or Asian grocery store—this fat renders down into that signature sizzle. I’ve had luck with Costco’s pork shoulder too, just trim excess fat before dicing. The liver adds depth, but if you’re squeamish, chicken livers work in a pinch (just as flavorful).
No calamansi? Lime juice at a 1:1 ratio gets you 90% there. Out of siling labuyo? Jalapeño or serrano peppers work fine—adjust heat to taste. The mayonnaise is the secret weapon: Kewpie or Hellmann’s for that rich, tangy kick. Soy sauce can be swapped for tamari or coconut aminos if needed.
Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge, but honestly, it’s best fresh off the sizzling plate. Reheat in a dry pan to crisp the pork again. The liver and pork can be prepped a day ahead (store separately) to save time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: I toss everything—the pork shoulder, liver, and onions—in one pan, and it’s done in 20 minutes flat.
- Garlic Calamansi Magic: The sizzling garlic and tangy calamansi juice hit that sweet-savory spot I crave every time.
- Weeknight MVP: Honestly, it’s my go-to when I need something quick but still packed with flavor for the family.
- Budget Stretcher: Pork shoulder and liver are cheap cuts, yet this dish tastes like a restaurant specialty.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Sisig With Mayonnaise
Here’s my proven method that delivers that signature sizzle and rich flavor every time.
Step 1: Parboil and Sauté the Pork
In a pot, parboil the 1.5 lb Pork Shoulder and 0.5 lb Pork Liver in water for 30 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool slightly before dicing into small pieces. I find this step removes impurities while keeping the meat moist.
Heat 2 tbsp of the 4 tbsp Butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced pork shoulder and liver, cooking for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. This builds a flavorful base for your creation.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Push the pork to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 2 tbsp Butter. Sauté the 1 whole White Onion (finely chopped) and 6 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. These aromatics are essential for authentic flavor.
Stir in the 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The soy sauce adds that characteristic umami depth, while the salt and pepper enhance all the other ingredients.
Step 3: Incorporate the Acidic Elements
Pour in the 3 tbsp Calamansi Juice and 3 tbsp White Vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. You’ll notice the pork absorbing all that tangy goodness, which balances the richness.
The acidity from the calamansi and vinegar cuts through the fat, creating that perfect sisig tang. I always wait until the liquid reduces by half before moving to the next step—this ensures concentrated flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Finish with Mayonnaise and Chili Peppers
Reduce heat to low and stir in the 0.5 cup Mayonnaise. I use full-fat for that luxurious creaminess that coats the pork beautifully. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the mayonnaise from separating.
Finely chop the 2 whole Chili Peppers and add them to the skillet. I like to leave the seeds in for extra heat, but you can remove them if you prefer a milder dish. Cook for another 1 minute until everything is heated through and the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Sizzling Hot
Transfer the sisig to a sizzling plate or cast-iron skillet if you have one. Top with the 0.5 cup Green Onions (thinly sliced) just before serving. The green onions add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy pork mixture.
For that authentic street food experience, serve immediately while sizzling hot. The residual heat will keep it bubbling at the table, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Pro Tips For Making Pork Sisig Recipe With Mayonnaise
- Boil Liver First: Parboil the pork liver for 2-3 minutes before chopping to mellow its bitterness and make it more tender—I learned this the hard way after a few metallic-tasting batches.
- Chill Before Chopping: Pop the cooked pork shoulder in the fridge for 15 minutes before dicing; cold meat cuts cleaner and doesn’t turn to mush under the knife.
- Skip Raw Mayo: Mix the mayonnaise in at the very end, off the heat, to prevent it from separating or turning oily—sounds obvious, but I’ve ruined a batch by stirring it in too early.
- Char the Onions: Let the white onions caramelize and get slightly crispy edges in the pan; it adds a sweet depth that balances the calamansi’s tang perfectly.
Perfect Pairings for pork sisig recipe with mayonnaise
Drink Pairings
An ice-cold San Miguel beer is my top pick—the crisp lager cuts through the richness while complementing the dish’s savory depth. For non-alcoholic options, try calamansi juice with sparkling water and a touch of honey. 🍺
Side Dish Ideas
Serve with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. I also love pairing it with atchara (pickled papaya) for a tangy crunch that balances the creaminess.
Fresh Accompaniments
Add a simple cucumber-tomato salad with a light vinegar dressing. The freshness contrasts beautifully with the rich, sizzling pork. A few slices of ripe mango on the side add a sweet, tropical note.
Bread Options
For a heartier meal, serve with warm pandesal rolls. These Filipino bread rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit. Toast them lightly for extra texture contrast.
I also like garlic bread made with crusty baguette and 4 tbsp butter mixed with minced garlic. 💫
Condiment Suggestions
Set out extra chili sauce like Sriracha or sambal oelek for heat lovers. A small bowl of soy-vinegar dipping sauce (equal parts soy sauce and vinegar) lets guests adjust flavors to taste.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute chicken liver for pork liver?
Yes, chicken liver works as a great substitute. Use the same 0.5 lb amount and follow the same cooking process. The flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious.
Why add mayonnaise to sisig?
The mayonnaise adds a creamy richness that balances the dish’s tangy and savory flavors. It also helps bind the ingredients together, giving it that signature velvety texture.
How do I keep the pork crispy?
Cook the pork over medium-high heat for at least 8-10 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and stir only occasionally to allow a good crust to form.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the pork and liver a day ahead, but cook just before serving for the best texture. Reheat in a dry pan to restore crispiness if needed.
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