Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- For chicken stew, skim the foam that rises during the first boil for a cleaner broth.

- Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels before cooking for maximum crispiness.

- For roasted chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking before carving to retain juices.

- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or vinegar after sautéing chicken for a quick pan sauce.

Cooking Tips

For maximum flavor, season the chicken at least 30 minutes before cooking — ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate beyond the surface. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.

Ingredient Substitutions

No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile. For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth. No coconut milk? For a richer alternative, blend canned coconut cream with water (1:1). For a lighter option, use evaporated milk with a splash of coconut extract. In a pinch, heavy cream or full-fat milk can replace coconut milk — the texture will be similar though the flavor profile changes. 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.

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.

Chicken Satay

Chicken Satay

Metro Manila, International

Chicken Satay — a Filipino chicken dish with local spices and herbs. A comforting meal passed down through generations.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Total: 50 min Medium Serves 2

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, ginger powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, lemongrass,peanut butter, sugar, curry powder, lemon, and garlic. Stir and set aside.
  2. Put the chicken in bowl with the mixture and marinate overnight.
  3. Soak the skewers in water for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Skewer the marinated chicken strips.
  5. Make the peanut sauce by combining all the ingredients for the sauce in a saucepan. Stir. Turn-on heat and let the mixture boil.Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
  6. Grill each side for 6 to 7 minutes. Note: use the leftover marinade as the basting sauce.
  7. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve with Peanut Sauce.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- For chicken stew, skim the foam that rises during the first boil for a cleaner broth.
- Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels before cooking for maximum crispiness.
- For roasted chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking before carving to retain juices.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or vinegar after sautéing chicken for a quick pan sauce.

Cooking Tips

For maximum flavor, season the chicken at least 30 minutes before cooking — ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate beyond the surface.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.

Substitutions

No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile.
For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth.
No coconut milk? For a richer alternative, blend canned coconut cream with water (1:1). For a lighter option, use evaporated milk with a splash of coconut extract.
In a pinch, heavy cream or full-fat milk can replace coconut milk — the texture will be similar though the flavor profile changes.
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.

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.
R

Tita Liza Reyes

Heirloom Recipes & Modern Adaptations

Tita Liza Reyes is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. A retired school teacher from Batangas with over 30 years of home cooking experience, she helps document and adapt heirloom recipes from across the Philippines for today's kitchen.

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