Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.

- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.

- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.

- Let pork belly cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat portions.

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. As prepared in Cebu, this dish is best enjoyed with steamed white rice and a drizzle of fresh calamansi — the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

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. 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.

Linat an  (Boiled Pork Soup with Lemongrass)

Linat an (Boiled Pork Soup with Lemongrass)

Cebu, Central Visayas

Made with pork spare ribs, string beans, green onions and medium taro root — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Total: 70 min Medium Serves 3

Instructions

  1. Combine rice washing and beef broth in a cooking pot. Bring to a boil.
  2. Put-in the spare ribs, lemongrass, and onion. Simmer for 45 to 60 minutes or until the pork becomes tender.
  3. Add-in the gabi. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes.
  4. Put-in the string beans and bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Fold in the green onions. Cook for a minute.
  6. Fold in salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Transfer to a serving plate.
  8. Serve.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Skim the scum that rises to the surface during the first boil for a clear, clean broth.
- Add salt or fish sauce only at the end of cooking so the broth does not become too salty as it reduces.
- Simmer soup gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear.
- Let pork belly cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat portions.

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.
As prepared in Cebu, this dish is best enjoyed with steamed white rice and a drizzle of fresh calamansi — the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.

Substitutions

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.
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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