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 vegetable soups, add starchy vegetables like potatoes and squash early, leafy greens last.
- For stir-fried vegetables, make sure the pan or wok is very hot before adding oil.
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.
Nilupak
Nilupak — fresh vegetables prepared Filipino-style with garlic and shrimp paste. A light and flavorful side dish.
Instructions
- Combine the grated cassava, shredded coconut, condensed milk, salt, and butter. Mix well.
- Place the mixture in a pan. Start to heat the pan and cook the mixture in low to medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Gradually stir the mixture while cooking.
- Scoop part of a mixture and place it in a mold such as a ramekin or small bowl. Drop the molded mixture in a serving plate lined with cut banana leaves and shredded coconut.
- Top with butter. Serve.
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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 vegetable soups, add starchy vegetables like potatoes and squash early, leafy greens last.
- For stir-fried vegetables, make sure the pan or wok is very hot before adding oil.
Cooking Tips
Add vegetables in stages — hard vegetables (carrots, potatoes) go in first, tender ones (leafy greens, beansprouts) at the very end.
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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