Pro Tips
**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Cook shrimp and squid quickly over high heat — they turn rubbery in under 3 minutes.
- Do not overcook shrimp — they are done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a C-shape.
- Cook harder vegetables like carrots and green beans first before adding softer ones.
- Add a dash of vinegar or calamansi at the end to brighten the flavor of sautéed vegetables.
Cooking Tips
For the most tender results, cook low and slow — a gentle simmer (not a vigorous boil) breaks down connective tissue without drying out the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking. As liquids reduce, flavors concentrate, so what tastes balanced early may become too salty later.
Ingredient Substitutions
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.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds — fresh vegetables prepared Filipino-style with garlic and shrimp paste. A light and flavorful side dish.
Instructions
- Ensure that seeds are dry before baking. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees or 350F. Place seeds in a cup and pour a tablespoon of cooking oil or melted butter. Add seasoning and coat evenly.
- Dash with salt. Mix well.
- Take a baking tray or sheet and spread seasoned pumpkin seeds evenly in a single layer.
- Bake seeds until their surface turns brown. This might take 40 to 55 minutes. To prevent burning, check and shake them around at 5-minute intervals.
- Take off from oven, set aside to cool and serve.
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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Cook shrimp and squid quickly over high heat — they turn rubbery in under 3 minutes.
- Do not overcook shrimp — they are done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a C-shape.
- Cook harder vegetables like carrots and green beans first before adding softer ones.
- Add a dash of vinegar or calamansi at the end to brighten the flavor of sautéed vegetables.
Cooking Tips
Taste and adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking. As liquids reduce, flavors concentrate, so what tastes balanced early may become too salty later.
Substitutions
Storage & Reheating
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.
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