Pork Adobo, Pork Sinigang, Stir Fry Eggplant, Pork and Chicken Barbeque,
and Spicy Garlic Buttered Shrimp and Crab
Filipino cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. Known for its mouthwatering dishes and unique combinations of sweet, sour, and savory tastes, Filipino food has earned its place on the global culinary map. In today's post, I will share with you the delightful gastronomic journey as we explore some of my favorite Filipino dishes to prepare: Pork Adobo, Pork Sinigang, Stir Fry Eggplant, Pork and Chicken Barbeque, and Spicy Garlic Buttered Shrimp and Crab. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these delightful recipes!
Pork Adobo
Pork Adobo is arguably one of the most beloved Filipino dishes. Its tender and succulent pork, marinated in a delightful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices, creates a harmony of flavors that keeps you craving for more. It's a dish that represents the heart of Filipino comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar (cane or white)
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine the pork, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. Marinate the pork in this mixture for at least 1 hour (overnight for better results) in the refrigerator.
- In a large pot or skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until browned.
- Pour the marinade and water into the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!
Pork Sinigang
Pork Sinigang is a sour tamarind-based soup that showcases the fantastic interplay of flavors that Filipino cuisine is famous for. The sourness of the tamarind is balanced with the sweetness of various vegetables, creating a hearty and comforting soup.
Ingredients:
- 500g pork ribs or pork belly, cut into chunks
- 1 large tomato, quartered
- 1 medium-sized onion, quartered
- 2-3 pieces of tamarind (about the size of a ping pong ball) or tamarind powder mix
- 8 cups water
- 2 cups radish, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch lengths
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced
- 2 cups spinach or kangkong leaves
- Fish sauce (patis) or salt to taste
Preparation:
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the pork and simmer until tender.
- Add the tomatoes, onions, and tamarind (if using whole tamarind, mash them with a ladle to extract the sour juice). Let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Add the radish and string beans and cook until they are tender.
- Put in the eggplant and let it cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Season with fish sauce or salt according to your taste preference.
- Just before turning off the heat, add the spinach or kangkong leaves and let them wilt in the hot broth.
- Serve piping hot with steamed rice for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Stir Fry Eggplant
Stir Fry Eggplant is a simple yet delectable Filipino vegetable dish. The eggplant is sautéed with garlic, onions, and a savory sauce that elevates the flavors of this humble vegetable.
Ingredients:
- 3 large Chinese eggplants, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Preparation:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water to create the sauce.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant and golden.
- Add the sliced eggplants and stir-fry until they become tender and slightly browned.
- Pour the sauce over the eggplant and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes until the eggplant absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot as a side dish or as a main course with rice.
Pork and Chicken Barbeque
Barbeque holds a special place in Filipino gatherings and street food culture. The combination of succulent pork and chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory mixture, and grilled to perfection makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 500g pork belly, sliced into thin strips
- 500g chicken thighs or breast, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup banana ketchup
- 1/4 cup calamansi juice or lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Bamboo skewers (pre-soaked in water)
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, banana ketchup, calamansi juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- Add the pork and chicken to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Thread the marinated pork and chicken onto the bamboo skewers.
- Preheat the grill or barbecue over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked and nicely charred.
- Serve the Pork and Chicken Barbeque hot with a side of garlic rice or as part of a festive Filipino buffet.
Spicy Garlic Buttered Shrimp and Crab
For seafood lovers, Spicy Garlic Buttered Shrimp and Crab is an absolute treat. This dish boasts succulent shrimp and crab, drenched in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce with a kick of spice, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients:
- 500g large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 2-3 medium-sized crabs, cleaned and cracked
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chili peppers, chopped (adjust quantity according to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley
Preparation:
- In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped red chili peppers, sautéing until the garlic turns fragrant and slightly golden.
- Toss in the shrimp and crab, stirring to coat them with the flavorful garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the seafood, ensuring even seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, which helps create a delectable sauce that will coat the shrimp and crab. Simmer for a few minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the shrimp and crab are fully cooked, garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Transfer the Spicy Garlic Buttered Shrimp and Crab to a large serving platter and serve immediately with steamed rice. Don't forget to provide finger bowls and plenty of napkins to fully savor this delightful, messy, and flavorful dish!
Filipino cuisine is an embodiment of warmth, hospitality, and vibrant flavors that resonate with food enthusiasts worldwide. From the tender and tangy Pork Adobo to the comforting and sour Pork Sinigang, and the sizzling and spicy Spicy Garlic Buttered Shrimp and Crab, each dish takes us on a journey through the diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines.
Cooking these delightful Filipino dishes not only satisfies our cravings but also allows us to experience the rich tapestry of flavors that this culture has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary exploration, these recipes are sure to impress and make your dining experience a memorable one.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a flavorful adventure through the delightful world of Filipino cuisine. With every bite, you'll discover the heart and soul of this beautiful and inviting country. Happy cooking and, as they say in the Philippines, "Kain na!" (Let's eat!)
Have a great and blessed day everyone.
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