Filipino Cooking: Bayan Bites

Filipino Recipes

Chicken Adobo

Description

Chicken Adobo is a classic Filipino dish known for its savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a rich, aromatic sauce, served over steamed rice.

Ingredient List

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and sugar. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and brown on both sides.
  3. Pour in the marinade and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  4. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce has reduced slightly.
  5. Uncover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Sinigang na Baboy

Description

Sinigang na Baboy is a traditional Filipino soup known for its mouth-puckering sour broth, typically made with tamarind. Pork belly or ribs are simmered with vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), radish, eggplant, and tomatoes, creating a hearty and refreshing dish. It's often enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of fish sauce for dipping.

Ingredient List

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine pork, onion, tomatoes, and water. Bring to a boil and skim off any scum that rises.
  2. Lower heat and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until pork is tender.
  3. Add tamarind soup base mix and stir until dissolved. Adjust sourness to taste.
  4. Add radish, eggplant, and string beans. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Add kangkong and green chili peppers. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
  6. Season with fish sauce or salt to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Halo-Halo

Description

Halo-Halo (meaning "mix-mix" in Tagalog) is a beloved Filipino dessert made with crushed ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and evaporated milk, topped with leche flan, ube halaya, and sometimes a scoop of ice cream. It is a vibrant, layered treat that is perfect for cooling down on hot days and celebrating Filipino culinary creativity.

Ingredient List

Instructions

  1. In a tall glass or bowl, layer the sweetened fruits, beans, and jellies at the bottom.
  2. Add crushed ice on top of the layered ingredients.
  3. Pour evaporated milk evenly over the ice.
  4. Top with ube halaya, leche flan, and a scoop of ice cream if desired.
  5. Serve immediately with a long spoon and mix before eating.