Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.

- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.

- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.

- Reduce the sauce until thickened and glossy for a richer coating on the meat.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture. Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Arroz Caldo with tokwa

Arroz Caldo with tokwa

Metro Manila, NCR

Made with white rice, chicken broth, chicken and thumbs sliced ginger — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 45 min Total: 50 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. Wash the white rice.
  2. Bring to a simmer the cooking oil.
  3. Cook over medium heat the ginger, garlic, and onion for 3 minutes.
  4. Add the chopped chicken. Cook it until it turns medium brown.
  5. Incorporate the patis, rice, water, and chicken broth. Wait for it to boil.
  6. Stir once in a while so that the rice will not stick on the botom of the pan. Cook this for 45 minutes until the consistency of the liquid becomes thick.
  7. Top with cubed tofu and green onions.
  8. Season with with pepper and additinal fish sauce and chili flakes.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- Reduce the sauce until thickened and glossy for a richer coating on the meat.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture.
Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

Substitutions

Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
E

Nanay Elena

Comfort Food

Every recipe Nanay Elena shares is a piece of family history from her kitchen in Iloilo.

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