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 squid, cook quickly over high heat — it turns rubbery if simmered longer than 3 minutes.

- Do not stir coconut milk dishes too vigorously once seafood is added — gentle folding prevents breaking.

Cooking Tips

Seafood cooks quickly — remove it from heat the moment it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking makes it tough and rubbery. Pat shellfish dry before adding to the pan so they sear rather than steam. A hot, quick cook preserves their natural sweetness. Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.

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. Seafood dishes are best consumed within 1–2 days. Reheat gently — microwave on low power or warm in a covered skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Do not refreeze thawed seafood dishes. Once reheated, consume immediately and do not re-refrigerate. 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.

Shrimp with Butter and Taba ng Talangka

Shrimp with Butter and Taba ng Talangka

Metro Manila, NCR

Shrimp with Butter and Taba ng Talangka — fresh seafood prepared Filipino-style with garlic, vinegar, and calamansi. Briny, savory, and deeply flavorful.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Total: 25 min Medium Serves 4

Instructions

  1. Melt butter or margarine in a pan.
  2. Incorporate shrimp. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the shrimp turns orange.
  3. Add garlic. Stir fry for 30 seconds.
  4. Put the salt into the pan. Stir.
  5. Season with cracked peppercorn (or ground black pepper).
  6. Add the crab fat (taba ng talangka). Stir. Cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Pour calamansi and vinegar. Stir. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
  8. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**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 squid, cook quickly over high heat — it turns rubbery if simmered longer than 3 minutes.
- Do not stir coconut milk dishes too vigorously once seafood is added — gentle folding prevents breaking.

Cooking Tips

Seafood cooks quickly — remove it from heat the moment it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking makes it tough and rubbery.
Pat shellfish dry before adding to the pan so they sear rather than steam. A hot, quick cook preserves their natural sweetness.
Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking — quick dishes leave no time for chopping mid-recipe.

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.
Seafood dishes are best consumed within 1–2 days. Reheat gently — microwave on low power or warm in a covered skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Do not refreeze thawed seafood dishes. Once reheated, consume immediately and do not re-refrigerate.
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.
R

Tita Liza Reyes

Heirloom Recipes & Modern Adaptations

Tita Liza Reyes is a contributor to the UlamDaily editorial team. A retired school teacher from Batangas with over 30 years of home cooking experience, she helps document and adapt heirloom recipes from across the Philippines for today's kitchen.

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