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.

- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking throughout the dish.

- For eggplant dishes, pierce the skin before grilling to prevent it from bursting.

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.

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.