Yusi Recipe (Ilocos Norte)

Begin by heating the cooking oil in a clean pot over medium heat, allowing it to warm evenly before adding the aromatics. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced ginger, minced garlic, and chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the ingredients gently while stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Continue cooking until the garlic becomes fragrant, the ginger releases its warm aroma, and the onion becomes soft and slightly translucent. This process allows the natural flavors and aromas of the ingredients to infuse into the oil, creating a flavorful base that will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Take care not to overcook the aromatics, as they should be softened and aromatic while still maintaining their pleasant flavor.

Carefully add the sliced pork tenderloin into the pot. Stir the meat gently to coat it with the aromatic mixture, allowing the flavors from the sautéed ingredients to blend with the pork. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure that the pieces are cooked evenly on all sides. Allow the pork tenderloin to cook until it develops a light golden-brown color on the surface, which helps enhance its natural flavor and adds a richer taste to the dish. Avoid cooking the pork for too long at this stage, as it will continue to cook with the remaining ingredients. Once the pork is lightly browned, proceed to the next step of preparation.

Add the sliced pork liver to the pot. Gently stir the ingredients to combine the liver with the pork and sautéed aromatics, allowing the flavors to blend together. Cook the pork liver for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until it begins to firm up on the outside. Avoid overcooking the liver at this stage, as it will continue to cook after the liquid is added and can become tough if cooked for too long. After the liver has cooked briefly, slowly pour the required amount of water into the pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, then increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a steady boil. As the water heats, it will blend with the seasonings and aromatics to create a flavorful broth, preparing the dish for the next stage of cooking.

Once the broth reaches a steady boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the pork to cook slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it becomes tender and easy to pierce with a fork. Slow simmering gives the meat enough time to soften while allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the broth, aromatics, and seasonings. During the cooking process, check the pot occasionally and stir gently to ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. If necessary, add a small amount of water to maintain the desired level of broth. Continue simmering until the pork is fully cooked, tender, and flavorful, creating a rich base for the remaining ingredients that will be added in the next steps.

Pour in the fish sauce and stir the mixture gently to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the pot. Allow the fish sauce to blend with the broth, enhancing its savory taste and adding depth to the overall flavor of the dish. Continue simmering the mixture over low heat for another 3 to 5 minutes, giving the ingredients enough time to absorb the seasoning and allowing the flavors to fully meld together. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.

Once the dish has finished simmering and all the ingredients are fully cooked, gently add the chopped spring onions to the pot. Stir them lightly into the mixture, allowing the residual heat to soften them slightly while preserving their fresh flavor, bright green color, and delicate texture. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper according to your preference. Add the seasonings gradually, stirring well after each addition to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Once the flavors are well balanced and the broth has reached your desired taste, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot dish into individual serving bowls and serve immediately while it is still warm. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with freshly steamed rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.