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.

- For crispy fried pork, do a double-fry — first at 325°F to cook through, then at 375°F to crisp.

- Add fish sauce gradually and taste as you go — it is saltier than regular salt.

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

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 with Mushroom Gravy

Tofu with Mushroom Gravy

Metro Manila, International

Made with package extra firm tofu, olive oil, can, sliced button mushroom and salted butter — a hearty Filipino dish that's simple to cook and satisfying to share.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Total: 30 min Medium Serves 2

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan.
  2. Pan-fry the sliced tofu in medium heat for about 7 to 10 minutes per side. Set aside.
  3. Warm up a saucepan. Add the butter and melt.
  4. When the butter becomes hot, gradually add the flour while stirring. Continue cooking while stirring gradually until the color of the mixture turns light brown.
  5. Pour-in the vegetable broth. Stir until the texture becomes smooth.
  6. Incorporate the mushrooms. Simmer while stirring once in a while until the texture thickens and the desired consistency is achieved.
  7. Arrange the fried tofu on a serving plate. Top with mushroom gravy.
  8. 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.
- For crispy fried pork, do a double-fry — first at 325°F to cook through, then at 375°F to crisp.
- Add fish sauce gradually and taste as you go — it is saltier than regular salt.

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

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.
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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