Pro Tips
**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking — the flavors deepen noticeably as it sits.
- Cook tomato-based stews until the oil separates and rises to the surface for maximum flavor concentration.
- For roasted chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking before carving to retain juices.
- For chicken stew, skim the foam that rises during the first boil for a cleaner broth.
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
Chicken alternatives: Pork shoulder or boneless thigh meat can substitute for chicken in stews. For lighter fare, extra-firm tofu or seitan works in stir-fries and braises. 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.
Simple Chicken Afritada
Simple Chicken Afritada — a Filipino chicken dish with local spices and herbs. A comforting meal passed down through generations.
Instructions
- Warm up oil in a pot.
- Saute the onion and garlic.
- Add in the chicken slices. Continue to saute until the chicken gets light brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the tomato paste. Stir and let boil. Add the dried bay leaves and sugar. Cover the pot and adjust the heat to low. Cook for 35 minutes. Note: Add water or chicken broth if it starts to dry-up.
- Fold in the potato and carrot. Stir. cover and continue to cook in medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve.
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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes after cooking — the flavors deepen noticeably as it sits.
- Cook tomato-based stews until the oil separates and rises to the surface for maximum flavor concentration.
- For roasted chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking before carving to retain juices.
- For chicken stew, skim the foam that rises during the first boil for a cleaner broth.
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
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
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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