Dried krill is another name for dried alamang (shrimp fry). It’s the same kind used to make Ginisang Alamang except it’s dried the same way as tuyo (dried fish) and usually unsalted. It’s packed with flavor which elevates the likes of Dinengdeng and Pinakbet. It also makes my Crunchy Sweet Potato Okoy taste better when added to it. It’s versatile, budget-friendly and keeps very well.
I’ve had this dish a number of times when I was a kid (ages ago!) but whenever I think of this, my memory takes me to the time when my Auntie Betty cooked it during my first visit to California. Apparently, she made it regularly because my niece loved it. I don’t remember how much rice I ate with it then but I am certain that I enjoyed it so much. From then on, it always comes to mind whenever I have kuros (dried krill in Ilocano). Recently, I was able to get my hands on some dried alamang when my sister-in-law went home to the Philippines.
My aunt’s way is pretty straightforward. She sauteed everything then added the beaten eggs and mixed until it’s cooked. I included one minimal step which gives the alamang a more pronounced flavor. By toasting it on a dry pan prior to sauteing, it releases a distinct aroma and deepens the krill’s taste. Trust me, this simple step makes this dish even tastier than it already is.
Scrambled Eggs with Dried Alamang and Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 2 to matoes seeded and chopped
- ½ cup dried Krill dried alamang*
- 5 egg well beaten
- 1 sliced green onion green part only, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Add the dried alamang to a dry frying pan (preferably non-stick). Cook (while stirring continuously) on medium heat until lightly toasted and aroma is released (about 2 minutes). Set aside.
- Wipe the pan clean and add the oil. Saute the onions for a bit then add the garlic and tomatoes. Cook for a minute then mash the tomatoes a bit. Set aside 1 tablespoon of the toasted alamang to use as topping (optional). Add the rest of the alamang to the pan and stir.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and gently mix until the eggs are cooked (1-2 minutes). Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle the reserved toasted alamang and some sliced green onions, if using.
- Best served with rice and some breakfast meats.
