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.
- Cook fish fillets skin-side down first until the skin is crispy before flipping.
- 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. In true Kapampangan style — the food capital of the Philippines — don't be shy with the seasoning. Pampanga cooking is known for its bold, confident flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile. For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth. 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.
Squid Sisig
Squid Sisig — fresh seafood prepared Filipino-style with garlic, vinegar, and calamansi. Briny, savory, and deeply flavorful.
Instructions
- Rub 1 teaspoon salt on the squid. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Grill the squid for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from the grill. Let cool.
- Chop the squid into small pieces.
- Heat over the oil in a pan and then saute the garlic, onion, and ginger.
- Put-in the chopped squid. Stir and then cook for a minute.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and soy sauce. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with crushed chicharon and chopped scallions.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
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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.
- Cook fish fillets skin-side down first until the skin is crispy before flipping.
- Do not stir coconut milk dishes too vigorously once seafood is added — gentle folding prevents breaking.
Cooking Tips
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.
In true Kapampangan style — the food capital of the Philippines — don't be shy with the seasoning. Pampanga cooking is known for its bold, confident flavors.
Substitutions
For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth.
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
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.
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