Pro Tips

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**

- Press tofu between paper towels with a heavy object for 15 minutes to remove excess water before cooking.

- Pan-fry tofu until golden-brown on all sides for a crisp exterior and soft interior.

- Cook tomato-based pork stews until the oil rises to the surface for concentrated flavor.

- For pork soups, skim the scum that rises to the surface for a clear, clean broth.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture. Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

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. Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. 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.

Tofu in Black Bean Sauce

Tofu in Black Bean Sauce

Metro Manila, NCR

Made with firm fried tofu, vegetable stock, cooking rice wine and sesame oil — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Total: 30 min Medium Serves 20

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine vegetable stock, cornstarch, sesame oil, cooking rice wine, soy sauce, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated and set aside.
  2. Heat a pan and pour-in cooking oil.
  3. When the oil is hot enough, sauté the garlic and ginger.
  4. Fold in the black beans and cook for a minute.
  5. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another minute.
  6. Put-in the fried tofu and cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Add the green onion and bok choy and cook for 2 minutes more.
  8. Pour-in the sauce mixture and cook until the texture becomes thick.
  9. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Press tofu between paper towels with a heavy object for 15 minutes to remove excess water before cooking.
- Pan-fry tofu until golden-brown on all sides for a crisp exterior and soft interior.
- Cook tomato-based pork stews until the oil rises to the surface for concentrated flavor.
- For pork soups, skim the scum that rises to the surface for a clear, clean broth.

Cooking Tips

Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture.
Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.

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.
Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
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.
E

Nanay Elena

Comfort Food

Every recipe Nanay Elena shares is a piece of family history from her kitchen in Iloilo.

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