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Everlasting also known as Marikina meatloaf is a flavorful and vibrant dish. Serve on special occasions or a festive dining table alongside traditional Filipino dishes.

meatloaf on top of board lined with banana leaf

Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or local festivals, Everlasting is a delightful addition to the holiday table. Its savory and hearty flavors complement the festive atmosphere, making it a dish that brings people together.

Remember, you can always indulge in Marikina’s everlasting meatloaf. But, serving them on special occasions add an extra layer of significance to this iconic dish. Every bite of this Filipino-style meatloaf is a journey of delightful flavors.

What is Everlasting Meatloaf made of?

What makes everlasting so special? It’s not just the combination of ground meat, tomato sauce and eggs, but the meticulous selection of ingredients and the blend of flavors. The secret lies in the perfect harmony of savory and sweet, with a touch of smokiness that sets it apart from your regular meatloaf recipes. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!

History of Marikina’s Everlasting

Marikina has long been known for its skilled craftsmen, and this artisanal spirit extends to its culinary prowess. Much like the city’s finely crafted shoes, everlasting is a product of attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

The name “Everlasting” is said to reflect the enduring nature of the dish. Passed down from one generation to the next, becoming a constant presence on Marikina’s dining tables. The name not only hints at the longevity of the dish but also emphasizes its everlasting popularity among locals.

Is Marikina Everlasting different from Lucban’s Hardinera?

In summary, both Marikina-style meatloaf and Lucban Hardinera are Filipino meatloaf dishes that are cooked in llaneras or oval-shaped tin molds. They differ in terms of geographical origin, ingredients like ground pork vs. diced pork, flavor profiles, and presentation styles. Each dish reflects the culinary diversity and cultural richness of the regions from which they originate.

Notes on Ingredients

Meat – Ground pork is the usual choice of protein for everlasting recipe but you can substitute it with ground beef or chicken. Hotdogs are also added and can be replaced or mix-in with Chorizo de Bilbao or ham.
Vegetables, Spices and Add-ons – Typically, carrots and bell peppers, sweet pickle relish, raisins, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper are used but variations may occur based personal preferences. The versatility of Everlasting allows it to adapt to different taste.
Decorative Ingredients – This are the ingredients gracing the top of the dish and can be customized to one’s liking. It includes hard boiled eggs slices, carrot florets, strip of red bell pepper and green bell pepper, pineapple slices.
Binder – Beaten eggs and cheese are added to hold together the meatloaf so it will hold form when you invert the meatloaf and released from the llaneras.
Banana Leaves – Lining the bottom of the llaneras with banana leaves helps release the meatloaf easier and add a pleasant aroma to the dish when cooked. Can be omitted if banana leaf is not readily available.

Cooking Tips

When combining the meats with other ingredients, be thorough but gentle. Overmixing can result in a dense meatloaf. Use your hands or a spatula to evenly distribute the spices and other components.
Allow liquids to fully evaporate when cooking the meat mixture to avoid having with a soggy meatloaf at the end.
After cooking the meat mixture in the pan, allow it to completely cool down before adding the beaten eggs and cheese. This will ensure that the eggs will not cook in the residual heat before scooping the meat mixture into the decorated llaneras.
Allow the meatloaf to cool down after steaming to give it time to settle and hold form after releasing from the tin molds.

How to Serve and Store

Enhance the Marikina everlasting meatloaf experience by pairing it with traditional Filipino sides like garlic rice, atchara (pickled papaya), ketchup, or a fresh side salad.
Everlasting can generally be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this period, the quality may start to decline.
To freeze Marikina everlasting meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or use a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to use, thaw the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the meatloaf in the oven until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) then serve it warm.

Pork Embutido – A cylindrical Filipino-style meatloaf made with a mixture of ground pork, carrots, and raisins.
Pork Hamonado Roll – A delightful Filipino dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory goodness of pork.