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 stir-fried vegetables, make sure the pan or wok is very hot before adding oil.
- Toast nuts or seeds separately and add them as a garnish for extra texture.
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. Check liquid levels halfway through cooking and add hot water or broth if needed. Long-cooked dishes can dry out or burn if left unattended.
Ingredient Substitutions
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. 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.
Kale and Tuna Laing
Kale and Tuna Laing — fresh vegetables prepared Filipino-style with garlic and shrimp paste. A light and flavorful side dish.
Instructions
- Combine the coconut milk, tuna (including the water), chili pepper, garlic, and ginger in a cooking pot.
- Heat-up the stove top and let the mixture boil. Cover and cook in medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the dried kale leaves. Do not stir. Cover and cook for 15 minutes in low to medium heat.
- Remove the cover and stir. Make sure that the kale absorbs the coconut milk. Cover again and continue to cook for another 15 minutes. You will need to add more coconut milk if it is starts to evaporate during the process.
- Add the coconut cream and shrimp paste. Stir. Cover and continue to cook in low to medium heat for 45 to 60 minutes. You can add more coconut milk or water during the process if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with rice.
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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 stir-fried vegetables, make sure the pan or wok is very hot before adding oil.
- Toast nuts or seeds separately and add them as a garnish for extra texture.
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.
Check liquid levels halfway through cooking and add hot water or broth if needed. Long-cooked dishes can dry out or burn if left unattended.
Substitutions
In a pinch, heavy cream or full-fat milk can replace coconut milk — the texture will be similar though the flavor profile changes.
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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