Loslos

(Filipino Deep-Fried Pork Ribs)

July 4: Filipino-American Friendship Day

While the United States is celebrating its Independence Day, the Philippines is acknowledging Republic Day (also known as Filipino-American Friendship Day). The holiday was initially a commemoration of the establishment of the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946, to coincide with America’s birthday (Philippine Independence Day is on June 12). But now it is simply a day to recognize the special and historical relationship between peoples of the two nations.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and BBQ ribs are popular foods during America’s Independence Day gatherings. If cooking ribs, give them a Filipino flair by frying them à la state fairs and festival style. “Loslos” is a delicious deep-fried pork ribs recipe from Cebu, although various provinces have similar versions. The meat is marinated in “adobo” sauce (vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and ground black pepper) then dredged in seasoned flour before frying. These pork ribs are popular at parties for independence/republic day dining and certainly for Filipino-American Friendship Day!

Recipe

(Adapted from Serious Eats)

Ingredients

• 1 slab baby back pork ribs
• ½ cup sugar cane (rice or apple cider) vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• oil for frying

Directions

Wash and dry the meat. Cut the slab of pork to make individual ribs. Arrange them in a deep baking pan. In a bowl, make the adobo marinade by mixing the vinegar, soy sauce and minced garlic.

Add the black pepper and oyster sauce. Pour over the ribs, turning and coating them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Dredge a wet rib in the flour mixture.

Deep fry at 375 degrees F in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper to taste. Or serve hot with BBQ sauce or a vinegar-soy sauce dip.

Notes

• For bite-sized pork ribs, ask the butcher to cut across the ribs into smaller pieces. Adjust/shorten frying time.
• Search our blog for other patriotic and Pinoy foods.
• Also, Happy 4th of July, America! God shed His grace on thee!