Recipes

Pickled Mango (Burong Mangga)

I was excited to see very fresh green mangoes at a local asian store! They came in a box of 9 and were very firm and green with just a blush of dark red on top in some of them. I think it’s the Kent variety which grows in South America. This is not the …

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Ginataang Alimasag (Crabs in Coconut Milk)

Live blue crabs are hard to come by. So when I saw that my fave Korean supermarket had some live ones, I didn’t think twice. I bought a couple of pounds of these feisty crustaceans and knew exactly how to cook them.  These are my absolute favorite! Though whenever I eat ‘em, it makes my …

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Braised Chicken Feet (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Feature

As kids, we were always encouraged to try food that we’re not familiar with at least once before saying “pass”. It was always a challenge to try strange-looking (or those with off putting smell) food but I think that “training” helped me a lot in being more adventurous with trying new dishes. That same rule …

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Quick and Easy Tofu in Sweet-Chili Sauce

My family (except for the littlest one) loves tofu. It’s one food item that’s a “regular” inside our fridge. From soft to the extra firm kind, I whip something up for them depending on their mood. I steam, deep fry, stir fry, and add it as the main protein in their favorite food like Pancit. …

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Royal Bibingka (Ilocano Glutinous Rice Cake)

Royal Bibingka 1

When I was in college, a trip to Pagudpud from Manila took about 10-12 hours. There were a few bus lines that had regular trips but I always chose Maria de Leon. Somehow, I was able to establish a good rapport with the drivers and conductors that I was so comfortable and at ease whenever …

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Classic Garlic Fried Rice

Garlic Fried Rice 2

Filipinos love rice! It’s our staple food. Mostly, we have it as steamed rice – white, fluffy and plain that goes well with any ulam (dish). But there are certain dishes that call for another type of cooked rice … the Sinangag (garlic fried rice).  Garlic fried rice or as we call it, Sinangag is …

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Beef Pares (Beef Brisket Stew – Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Beef Pares 1

We have lived in Sampaloc, Manila since I started college at UST (University of Santo Tomas). That was also my last place of residence before moving to North America. And though quiet moments were few and far between, I somehow got used to the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Convenience was definitely on …

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Crisp-Tender Fried Calamari

Calamari 1

One of the things my kids miss doing, is heading out to the mall and having their favorite fried calamari meal at Opa! . My daughter would even look forward to going just so she could have her fill while seating at the busy (and noisy) food court. Calamari is just something that’s best eaten …

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Chicken in Asparagus-Ginger Soup

Chicken in Asparagus-Ginger Soup

It’s that time of year when the price of Asparagus is at its lowest. I read somewhere that the season in California starts in February and peaks around April. So when I saw that the price per pound was more than half the usual, I grabbed a bunch and knew exactly what to do with …

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Pork Binagoongan with Fried Eggplant

Pork Binagoongan

Bagoong Alamang (sauteed shrimp paste) is “ulam” by itself. Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and you have a meal. The downside to this umami-rich condiment is that it’s a magnet for rice. I don’t think I have ever eaten bagoong with just a tiny bit of rice. That’s why, this is also in the …

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