Recipes

Sinigang na Panga ng Tuna Recipe (Tuna jaw cooked in sour broth)

Sinigang na Panga ng Tuna is another variation the famous soup dish of the Philippines, Sinigang. Almost any meat or seafood can be used in making sinigang while the sour component is not limited to tamarind alone (tamarind is the main component of the commercialized sinigang mix pouches): guava, bilimbi (kamias), and green mangoes are just a few of the sour fruits that can be used to make this dish.

The seafood used in cooking seafood sinigang usually depends on the most abundant catch of the region. In places wherein tuna (or bariles) is abundant, “sinigang na panga ng tuna” and “sinigang na tuna belly” is more likely to be in the menu.

What are the other seafood sinigang that you’ve tried? What is the most unusual seafood sinigang that you have had so far?

Try this Sinigang na Panga ng Tuna recipe and let us know your thoughts by commenting.

Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chicken Noodle Soup is a popular soup that is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects that can temporarily relieve illness. This soup is simply made-up of chicken meat, chicken stock or broth, wide egg noodles, vegetables, and spices.

There are several ways to prepare this soup dish. One of the earliest methods makes use of a whole dressed chicken. The chicken is boiled in several cups of water to extract juices that will make-up the broth. Bones are then removed from the boiled chicken while the meat is chopped to attain a uniform size and placed back in the cooking pot for further cooking. The method that we’ll be using here is more practical than the conventional style because this will save you more time and effort. Instead of starting from scratch, chopped deboned chicken and pre-packed chicken stock will be used; this saves time in boiling and deboning.

I enjoy having Chicken Noodle Soup during cold weather: it makes me feel warm and somewhat relieves the stress that builds up from a whole days work. After finishing a bowl of this healing soup, I always feel relaxed and recharged.

Do you like having Chicken Noodle Soup? What positive effects have you experienced after having this delightful soup?

Ginataang Langka Recipe

Ginataang Langka refers to unripe jackfruit cooked in coconut milk. Although jackfruits are considered fruits, unripe ones have the same attributes as vegetables; this was the reason why jackfruit in this recipe is treated as such. As for the flavor, much of it comes from the salted dried fish (locally known as daing); I also like using shrimp cube to add more taste to this dish.

I am not a big fan of jackfruit and anything cooked in coconut milk when I was a child. However, things changed when this dish was introduced to me during our vacation in Romblon (which is the hometown of my parents). Electricity is a luxury during those days and having dinner means eating by the candle light. I tried all the dishes served on the table because the dark did not give me the option to visually qualify the food in front of me. After trying this dish, I immediately loved it; it wasn’t until when my plate was all cleaned-up when I learned that the delicious dish that I enjoyed is called “utan nga langka”.

After doing some experimentation later on, I learned that using toasted anchovies (sinangag na dilis) also works well for this dish.

Try this Ginataang Langka recipe and let me know what you think.

Kinilaw na Tuna

Kinilaw na Tuna or raw fish salad is an appetizer dish that is usually consumed as “pulutan”; it is best served along with cold beer. This recipe does not involve any manual cooking but the tuna meat is semi-cooked once served. This is made possible by the acids in the vinegar (acetic acid) and calamansi or lemon juice (citric acid). These mild acids slowly cook the fish meat when soaked for a few hours.

This recipe is popular in places where fresh seafood is abundant. Why fresh? Only the freshest tuna slices (or any white fish meat) can be used for this recipe for best results. Since the acid does not entirely cook the fish meat the way frying or steaming does, it is possible that an unpleasant taste might develop in the mixture if not so fresh fish meat is used – your mouth and tongue might also feel itchy.

I love to have this appetizer especially when cold beer is around. Just like the Ceviche (a similar dish wherein the fish meat is marinated only in citric acid), there is nothing like a semi-cooked sour fish appetizer to refresh my palate.

Of course, there are several variations of kinilaw around. Some of you might have your own version, how about sharing it with us?

Try this Kinilaw na Tuna recipe and don’t be shy to send-in your feedback.

Brazo de Mercedes

Brazo de Mercedes is a type of rolled cake (sometimes referred to as jelly roll) made from a sheet of soft meringue with custard filling. This heavenly cake can be considered as one of the all-time favorites in the Philippines.

What I like most about this cake is the sponge like texture of the meringue that literally melts in my mouth. The light flavor of the meringue is balanced by the flavor of the rich custard filling. This is truly amazing!

Most of you might be thinking that this rolled cake is hard to create; you might be surprised how easy it is to make your own Brazo de Mercedes after reading this post and watching the cooking video. I won’t extend the introduction because I know that most of you are eager to start working on this project (I am getting at least 17 requests per day for this recipe).

Try this Brazo de Mercedes recipe and let me know what you think.

Adobong Kambing Recipe (Goat Meat Adobo)

Adobong Kambing is goat dish wherein goat meat is tenderized and cooked using the popular Filipino Adobo style. Soy sauce and vinegar are the core components of adobo; this means that any meat or seafood can be cooked using this style as long as the core ingredients are present.

This goat dish, in particular, is often consumed as an appetizer or “pulutan”. In the Philippines, there are specialty restaurants or eateries called “kambingan” that specialize mainly in goat dishes.

Goat meat is not for everyone; there are people who do not want goat meat because of its overpowering smell. Removal of the unwanted odor still remains to be the toughest challenge when preparing goat dishes. However, there are some proven techniques that we can apply to lessen (if not neutralize) the strong odor.

As detailed in this post, boiling the meat with ginger and onions helps lessen the odor of goat meat. You may also soak the meat in vinegar before cooking as shown in the Kalderetang Kambing post.

Do you like eating goat meat? What techniques do you apply in removing the strong odor of the meat?

Try this Adobong Kambing recipe and let me know what you think.

Pork Estofado Recipe

Pork Estofado is a stewed pork dish served with fried plantains. This pork recipe is comparable to pork adobo but, the use of carrots and fried plantains provide distinction to this dish.

I like the idea of having plantains in pork and beef dishes. Plantains or “saging na saba” help improve the flavor of a dish and adds a little sweetness to it. Take the beef pochero as an example: the sweetness of the plantains blends well with the other ingredients producing a great tasting dish. Sometimes, I also use plantains in Beef Nilaga to add more life to it.

Do you like the idea of using plantains (saba) in some of the dishes that you cook?

Try this Pork Estofado recipe and let me know your thoughts.

Binatog Recipe (Boiled white corn kernels with Shredded Coconut)

Binatog or boiled white corn kernels is a popular Filipino snack and street food. This is made by soaking mature white corn in water and salt until puffed. The soaked corns are then boiled until the skin almost peel off. Excess water is drained and the corn is placed in a bowl or plate then topped with either sugar or salt (sometimes both) and generous amounts of grated coconut.

Whenever I think of this simple yet satisfying Filipino street food, I remember the Binatog vendor that roamed around the streets of our subdivision every afternoon. He was riding a big bicycle with two covered pails secured at the back: the first pail holds all the boiled corn kernels while the other one contains the grated coconut, salt, sugar, and serving spoons. Back in those days, we need to provide our own bowl or container for the Binatog since the vendors do not carry disposable cups or bowls yet. Just like the Taho vendor, the “Magbibinatog” or Binatog vendor also advertises his product by shouting to the top of his lungs …“Binatooog!!!” I wonder if these guys still roam the streets as they do a couple of decades back.

This recipe can be considered as an easier version of making Binatog. Instead of using fresh white corn kernels, we will be using Hominy or Mexican style corn. These are canned puffed white corn kernels that are already pre-soaked in water; this will save us a lot of time.

Are you excited to make Binatog for your meryenda? Go grab the ingredients and follow my lead by watching the cooking video and reading the detailed cooking procedure.

Got questions or feedback? Please post your comments on the box below and I’ll try my best to get back to you as soon as possible. Happy cooking everyone!!!

Pinsec Frito Recipe – Deep Fried Wonton

Pinsec Frito or Fried Wonton is an appetizer dish that resembles the all-time favorite Filipino-Chinese Dimsum: Pork Siomai. Instead of steaming (which is the common way of cooking dimsum), Pinsec Frito is fried until the wrapper turns crispy and golden brown in color.

Taste and texture are the two main reasons why this appetizer interests me: It’s like having pork rinds (chicharon) and Siomai at the same time. If you are thinking of trying this recipe, please don’t hesitate. This is very easy to prepare; all you need to do is mix, wrap, and fry.

Appetizers won’t be complete without the dip. Sweet and sour sauce and the basic Asian dipping sauce are two of my top suggestions. Of course, that is just an idea. If you like dipping fried foods in banana ketchup or spiced vinegar, the choice is all yours. Enjoying your meal is still the most important thing – have it your way.

Your ideas, comments, and feedback are appreciated. Enjoy your meal!!!

Asian Dipping Sauce Recipe

A dipping sauce is a common condiment that is used to add and enhance the flavor of a dish. In the Philippines, Toyomansi (soy sauce and calamondin) and Patismansi (fish sauce and calamondin) are among the favorite dipping sauces for fried and grilled foods.

There are preferred dipping sauces per food category in each Asian country; however, there is one dip that can be considered as the most common and widely used: the basic Asian dipping sauce.

Basic Asian Dipping Sauce is a simple dip that is made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Since Asians like some heat in their food, chilies are sometimes added to it.
This oriental tasting dip is perfect for steamed or fried dimsum; you may also use this in grilled meat, seafood, and vegetables.

Corn Salsa Recipe

I was thinking of a good side dish for the pork belly that I grilled for lunch when the idea of having a corn salsa kicked-in. I remembered tasting this simple side dish from a local restaurant a few weeks back; it was satisfying.

Corn Salsa might sound very simple but the collaboration of flavors can catch your interest. Imagine the sweetness of corn complimented with the tangy taste and aroma of cilantro plus the savory taste of the diced tomatoes with a hint of lime – who couldn’t resist this treat?

If you are in the quest of discovering the best side dishes and appetizers, don’t look far yet. Try to look around you: maybe the one that you are looking for is just around the corner.

Tokneneng Recipe – Deep Fried Orange Chicken Egg

Tokneneng are boiled chicken eggs that are dipped in a reddish batter and deep-fried until the batter becomes crispy. Generally, this is considered as a Filipino Street food and sold on the streets along with qwek-qwek, squidballs, fish balls, and kikiam. Speaking of qwek-qwek, tokneneng is simply the bigger version. The cooking method and majority of the ingredients are similar; the only difference is the kind of egg used.

The thing that I like about this street food is its ability to fill your stomach for just a few bucks. Don’t expect too much on the taste because it is basically boiled egg. What you need to do though is dip it in a rich sauce for additional flavor. I like this dipped in sinamak (vinegar with spices); this also tastes good with fish ball sauce.

What sauce do you prefer to dip your Tokneneng in?

Chicken Asado Recipe

Chicken Asado (or Asadong Manok) is an awesome Filipino chicken dish and one of the best bets of the province of Pampanga. This dish uses simple ingredients and the cooking process is not so complicated.

Hmmm, seems like you’re eyes are hooked on the picture; let me clarify things right away to avoid confusion. Yes, the image that you are looking at is really Chicken Asado and not Chicken Afritada. But why is the base reddish? Unlike the usual dark asado dishes that we used to know (that are actually influenced by Chinese Cuisine), this special asado recipe uses tomato sauce as the base ingredient.

I first tried this dish when I visited Sta. Rita town in Pampanga. I thought that it was just an ordinary dish – but I got mesmerized right after the spoon left my mouth. At first, I can’t identify the ingredient that makes this semi-sour dish so rich and tasty until the host told me that he used butter to bring-in more taste and life to the dish. Pretty clever, isn’t it?

Try this Chicken Asado recipe and please don’t be shy to post your comment. I’m all ears (or eyes for this matter) – you know.

Ginataang Mais Recipe

Ginataang Mais is a Filipino dessert and snack made from whole kernel corn and coconut milk. This is a simple and quick Filipino dessert recipe that only takes less than 25 minutes to prepare. The appearance of this quick and easy dessert is similar to that of the Maja Blanca but there is a big difference in texture; the consistency is more like the Goto, Arroz Caldo, or perhaps the Champorado.

I like this dessert (particularly this dessert recipe) because of the simple ingredients involved. I also believe that good dishes need not to be complicated and time consuming and this is one of the proofs.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

This Chicken Satay recipe is amazing !!! The flavors come together like they were made for each other. The chicken by itself was very flavorful and could stand on it’s own; the Peanut Sauce was good too.

On another note, you can pair the Peanut Sauce with Asian Summer Rolls too. This recipe was taken from from FoodNetwork/Ellie Krieger and Thai Food Tonight

This is a definite keeper!

Mamon Recipe

Mamon is a popular sponge cake in the Philippines and is considered to be among the top 10 pastries in the country. Unlike other sponge cakes, this amazing creation is individually packaged with serving sizes usually good for just one person. Filipino Yellow Sponge Cake is also another term used to refer to it.

Do you remember where you had your first Mamon? I had my very first Mamon from Goldilocks and I loved it since then. I am just curious, before the extreme commercialization of baked products in the Philippines, would you know as to where this masterpiece first came into being? I believe that there is a single province or city in the Philippines where this pastry first became popular; I’m planning to give that place a visit next month during my vacation to be able to have an authentic Mamon experience.

Try this Mamon Recipe and let me know what you think.

Grilled Chicken with Mandarin Salad

I was thinking of what to prepare for dinner last night while doing the groceries. The fresh chicken breast caught my attention and the light bulb in my head immediately lit-up. Grilling the chicken is the thing that I have in mind and the only challenge left is to have a unique salad idea to compliment the chicken.

Based on experience, I had 2 facts about Grilled Chicken that I used as a basis in selecting the salad ingredients.

1. It goes well with fruits
2. It easily absorbs sauce.

It just happened that I am passing by the canned fruit isle and mandarin orange segments were the first ones that I saw. Since Mandarin orange is a fruit and it contains juice, it can be a perfect candidate. Grilled red bell pepper is the next ingredient to have but I settled on bottled grilled sweet pepper because bell peppers (capsicum) are so expensive at this time (I wonder why). I also got some shallots and parsley for additional spice and aroma.

Cornbread Muffin Recipe

Cornbread Muffins are small bread-like pastries made from cornmeal and flour. This has been a traditional staple in areas wherein wheat breads are expensive. In general, cornbread is eaten as a side dish for barbeque, chili, and roasted meats.

There are plenty of cornbread and cornbread muffins circulating in the internet. Each recipe variation represents an area wherein cornbread or cornbread muffins are a popular treat while others are priceless restaurant recipes such as Kenny Rogers, Boston Market, and the likes.

This particular recipe is a twist of the southern cornbread and Kenny Roger’s recipe. I enjoy using this recipe for its wonderful texture and right amount of sweetness. I also like the idea of having whole kernel corn around.

Try this Cornbread Muffin recipe and let me know what you think.

Latik Recipe

Latik is a residue of coconut milk. This achieved when coconut milk is cooked in medium heat over a period of time. Latik is commonly used as toppings in rice cakes such as kalamay, sapin-sapin, biko, and maja blanca,

I received an email last night requesting for the procedure in making latik. Since I still have a cup of extra coconut milk from the Bibingka that we featured recently, I opted to make latik out of it.

Just so you know, your requests are queued and I grant each of them depending on the availability of ingredients and my budget as well. Since I already have the extra coconut milk on hand with no plans of using it within the next 2 days, I thought that I better make something out of it rather than to leave it in the fridge until it goes moldy.

Lumpiang Togue Recipe

Lumpiang Togue is a variation of the spring roll. Instead of meat, Mung bean sprouts (locally known as togue) are used as the major ingredient. This dish is a popular appetizer and snack in the Philippines and it is best eaten when dipped in spicy vinegar with onions and whole peppercorn.

When I think of Lumpiang Togue, I remember the “Jollijeeps” in Makati who sells this for meryenda. I also remember my childhood days; one of our neighbors sells meryenda and lumpiang togue is one of the favorites. Of course, turon, bananaque, and camoteque are never left behind.

I like this dish for its simplicity. Good food need not to be expensive and tasty to be enjoyed.

Try this Lumpiang Togue recipe and let me know your thoughts.

Homemade Mashed Potato

Finally, the 10 lbs of potatoes were consumed and we now have the 4th recipe derived out of it. I did not imagine that a $2 bag of potatoes would go such a long way. We were able to make the homemade potato chips, crispy French fries, potato and leek soup, and here we are with our mashed potatoes.

Everyone knows what mashed potatoes are. I think that a formal description is not necessary – but did you know that Mashed Potato is also a dance popularized during 1962 to the mid 60’s? I was not born yet during that time but I heard that the moves are pretty cool.

This mashed potato recipe resembles the ones that you find in restaurants and top food joints. The ingredients are common, the procedure is simple, and the taste is awesome. Try it yourself – oh, and make sure you top it with KFC Style gravy for a double awesome experience.

I would love to hear your comments.

KFC Style Gravy Recipe

Positive feedbacks keep coming-in as a result of the different fried chicken recipes that we featured to date. Along with it are requests for a good gravy recipe to compliment the fried chicken. There isn’t any good gravy recipe that I can think of other than KFC’s so I tried whipping-up some ingredients to arrive at the closest copycat recipe (in my opinion) using basic ingredients that should be available in your local supermarket.

While trying to browse the internet on this topic, I discovered several KFC gravy recipes that claim to be the closest. Though it might be true, these recipes require the use of canned beef gravy plus many other ingredients which I think is not practical at all. I find it unreasonable to use ready mix or canned gravy to arrive at another gravy variation, don’t you? Saving money is also an important factor; if there is a recipe that will cost less and still give me the taste that I’m looking for – why wouldn’t I go for it?

This gravy recipe that we have here works well with fried chicken and mashed potatoes. If you are one of those who think that gravy is some kind of soup, slurping this or mixing it with rice will work too.

Try this KFC Style Gravy recipe and let me know what you think.

Peach Refrigerator Cake

Peach Refrigerator Cake is a no cook and easy cake recipe that requires bare minimum ingredients. The procedure is almost the same as making Mango Royale although the later uses mangoes and crushed graham crackers for the ingredients.

I like this recipe because it is pretty real easy to make and the ingredients are always readily available at the local grocery store. Sometimes I use fruit cocktail as an alternative in case I am craving for a multiple fruity taste.

Although refrigerator is mentioned in the name of this recipe, you can always use the ever reliable freezer if in case you don’t have enough time.

Recipes

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