Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Cook tomato-based pork stews until the oil rises to the surface for concentrated flavor.

- Add annatto seeds to the oil for natural golden-orange color in pork dishes.

- Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

- Fry pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature.

Cooking Tips

Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels before frying — moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350–375°F (175–190°C). If the oil is too cool, the food absorbs grease; too hot and it burns on the outside before cooking through. Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe. In true Kapampangan style — the food capital of the Philippines — don't be shy with the seasoning. Pampanga cooking is known for its bold, confident flavors.

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. Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. 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. Crispy dishes are best enjoyed fresh — they lose their crunch when stored. If you must store leftovers, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving crispy dishes — the steam makes the coating soggy. Use a toaster oven or stovetop skillet instead. 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.

Lechon Sisig

Lechon Sisig

Pampanga, Central Luzon

Made with lechon, large yellow onion, soy sauce and calamansi — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Total: 20 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. Melt the margarine in a frying pan.
  2. Put-in onion and then cook for 2 minutes or until soft.
  3. Add the lechon. Stir.
  4. Put-in garlic powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes in high heat.
  5. Add the mayonnaise. Stir and then cook for 3 minutes.
  6. Transfer to a serving plate. You can squeeze lime or calamansi and add hot sauce if desired.
  7. Serve.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Cook tomato-based pork stews until the oil rises to the surface for concentrated flavor.
- Add annatto seeds to the oil for natural golden-orange color in pork dishes.
- Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Fry pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature.

Cooking Tips

Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels before frying — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350–375°F (175–190°C). If the oil is too cool, the food absorbs grease; too hot and it burns on the outside before cooking through.
Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.
In true Kapampangan style — the food capital of the Philippines — don't be shy with the seasoning. Pampanga cooking is known for its bold, confident flavors.

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.
Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
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.
Crispy dishes are best enjoyed fresh — they lose their crunch when stored. If you must store leftovers, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving crispy dishes — the steam makes the coating soggy. Use a toaster oven or stovetop skillet instead.
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.
M

Chef Jun Mercado

Seafood, Grilling & Filipino Fusion

Chef Jun Mercado is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. Trained at the Center for Culinary Arts in Manila, he spent a decade working in resort kitchens across Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay before joining our team to share seafood, grilling, and Filipino fusion recipes.

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