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.
- For roasted vegetables, spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet for even caramelization.
- Add leafy greens last and cook just until wilted — 1 to 2 minutes is usually enough.
Cooking Tips
Blanch leafy vegetables in boiling salted water for 30–60 seconds, then plunge into ice water. This locks in their bright color and crisp texture. Add vegetables in stages — hard vegetables (carrots, potatoes) go in first, tender ones (leafy greens, beansprouts) at the very end. Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.
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.
Papaya Atchara
Papaya Atchara — fresh vegetables prepared Filipino-style with garlic and shrimp paste. A light and flavorful side dish.
Instructions
- Combine water and 4 tablespoons salt in a mixing bowl. Stir.
- Fold in the shredded papaya. Cover and place inside the refrigerator. Soak for 2 days.
- Put the papaya in a cheesecloth in a way that it is trapped in the center. Gently rotate the cheesecloth while tightly holding one end. Continue to rotate until the papaya completely releases liquid. Do this more than once for better results.
- Arrange the papaya in a mixing bowl. Add all the vegetables and raisin. Toss and set aside.
- Make the syrup by heating the vinegar in a cooking pot. Once it starts to boil, add sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well and cook for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Put the papaya mixture in a mason jar. Do not completely fill the jar, leave a little space for the syrup.
- Gently pour the hot syrup in each jar. Quickly close the lid. This will somewhat cook the papaya and veggies and will make it a bit softer.
- Let it cool and then refrigerate, or simply store in a shelf in room temperature.
- Serve with Lechon Kawali and Crispy Pata.
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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.
- For roasted vegetables, spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet for even caramelization.
- Add leafy greens last and cook just until wilted — 1 to 2 minutes is usually enough.
Cooking Tips
Add vegetables in stages — hard vegetables (carrots, potatoes) go in first, tender ones (leafy greens, beansprouts) at the very end.
Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.
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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