Deutsch: Pata Tim / Español: Pata Tim / Português: Pata Tim / Français: Pata Tim / Italiano: Pata Tim

Pata Tim is a Filipino-Chinese dish made with braised pork leg (pata) that is slow-cooked in a sweet and savoury sauce until tender. The dish is known for its rich flavours, a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and aromatics like star anise, garlic, and ginger, which create a fragrant, dark sauce that coats the succulent pork. Pata Tim is often garnished with vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms and served with rice or steamed buns.

General Description

Pata Tim is a popular dish in Filipino cuisine, influenced by Chinese cooking techniques and flavours. The term "pata" refers to the pork leg, particularly the hock or shank, while "tim" is derived from the Chinese word "tim," which means braise or stew. This dish is typically prepared by simmering the pork leg in a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, star anise, and other seasonings. The slow-cooking process allows the pork to become tender and the flavours to meld together, resulting in a dish that is both savoury and slightly sweet.

The pork is often cooked until it reaches a fall-off-the-bone consistency, and the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy glaze. Vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or baby bok choy are sometimes added during the final stages of cooking to complement the flavours of the meat. Pata Tim is usually served as a main dish in Filipino households, especially during special occasions or family gatherings, and is typically accompanied by steamed rice or mantou (Chinese steamed buns).

Application Areas

• Home Cooking: A popular dish for family meals, especially on weekends or holidays, when slow cooking can be accommodated.
• Filipino Restaurants: Frequently featured in Filipino-Chinese restaurants, where it is often presented as a specialty dish.
• Special Occasions: Commonly prepared during fiestas, family celebrations, and other special events due to its rich flavours and ability to serve many people.

Well-Known Examples

• Classic Pata Tim: Prepared with the traditional soy-based sauce, star anise, and slow-braised until tender, often garnished with vegetables.
• Crispy Pata Tim: A variation where the pork leg is braised and then deep-fried to add a crispy texture before being served with the rich sauce.
• Pata Tim with Mushrooms: This version includes shiitake or button mushrooms, adding an earthy flavour to the dish.

Treatment and Risks

• Cooking Time: The dish requires extended cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness, making it less suitable for quick meals.
• High Fat Content: Due to the use of pork leg, which has a substantial amount of fat, it may not be suitable for those on low-fat diets.
• High Sodium Content: The use of soy sauce and oyster sauce can make the dish high in sodium, which may not be ideal for people with hypertension or those who need to manage their salt intake.

Similar Terms

• Paksiw na Pata: Another Filipino dish made with pork leg, but cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, often with added banana blossoms for a tangier flavour.
• Braised Pork Knuckle: A Chinese dish similar to Pata Tim, featuring a pork knuckle or hock braised in soy sauce, sugar, and aromatics.
• Humba: A Visayan (central Filipino) dish similar to Pata Tim, but with a sweeter sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and fermented black beans.

Summary

Pata Tim is a Filipino-Chinese braised pork leg dish known for its tender meat and rich, sweet-savory sauce. Traditionally prepared with soy sauce, sugar, and aromatic spices, this comforting dish is a staple for family gatherings and special occasions, reflecting the blend of Filipino and Chinese culinary traditions.

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