Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- If a recipe calls for fresh produce, it matters — canned or frozen substitutes change the texture and brightness of the dish.

- Let meats rest after cooking so the juices redistribute for a more tender result.

- Filipino dishes are built on balance — taste your sauce before serving and add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar if something feels off.

Cooking Tips

For maximum flavor, season the chicken at least 30 minutes before cooking — ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate beyond the surface. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken alternatives: Pork shoulder or boneless thigh meat can substitute for chicken in stews. For lighter fare, extra-firm tofu or seitan works in stir-fries and braises. 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.

Sinabawang Manok

Sinabawang Manok

Naga, Bicol Region

Sinabawang Manok — a Filipino chicken dish with local spices and herbs. A comforting meal passed down through generations.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Total: 40 min Medium Serves 20

Instructions

  1. Cook over medium heat the garlic until they soften and release their aroma.
  2. Incorporate shrimp paste and fry for 20 seconds until the aroma develops and the paste darkens.
  3. Add chicken pieces and brown them on each side, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Mix in the chili paste (siling labuyo blended or crushed) and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add chicken liver pieces and cook for 3 minutes until the liver is cooked through.
  6. Pour in a splash of fish sauce and water. Simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to combine.
  7. Garnish it with sliced green onions and Serve it while it's hot with steamed rice.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- If a recipe calls for fresh produce, it matters — canned or frozen substitutes change the texture and brightness of the dish.
- Let meats rest after cooking so the juices redistribute for a more tender result.
- Filipino dishes are built on balance — taste your sauce before serving and add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar if something feels off.

Cooking Tips

For maximum flavor, season the chicken at least 30 minutes before cooking — ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate beyond the surface.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.

Substitutions

Chicken alternatives: Pork shoulder or boneless thigh meat can substitute for chicken in stews. For lighter fare, extra-firm tofu or seitan works in stir-fries and braises.
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.
J

Chef Jun Reyes

Modern Regional

Culinary graduate focusing on modernizing regional Filipino flavors while keeping their soul intact.

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