pagkaing pinoy

Manong’s Sauce (Sweet and Salty Street Food Sauce)

Fish balls, squid balls, Kwek-Kwek and the like have one thing in common. They’re all smothered with the ever so famous Manong’s Sauce. If you’re familiar with street food, you know what I mean. None of the street eats I mentioned above is complete without a generous dip in the sweet and salty dip. This …

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Nilagang Baboy (Pork Ribs Soup)

This is one of my family’s favorite comfort dishes (next to Sinigang – Pork in Sour Tamarind Broth). I used pork ribs in this one but you can definitely substitute beef ribs or even chicken. Regardless of the type of meat you prefer, the process is the same. Just keep in mind that the essence …

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Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Grilling gives food that distinct roasted aroma and flavor. Chicken Inasal is a grilled chicken dish that originated in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, particularly in the city of Bacolod. Chicken parts are marinated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, sugar, calamansi (calamondin), soy sauce and coconut vinegar then grilled using hot coals. …

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Oven-Crisp Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are regular “residents” of my freezer. It’s the most sought-after chicken part at home and my family will happily try any recipe that I fancy cooking.  Fried chicken always wins but frying is something that I avoid as much as I can. It’s not because of some healthy reasoning; there’s more to it …

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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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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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Oven-Baked Homemade Tinapa (Smoked Fish)

Smoked Fish 5

Whenever I think of Tinapa (smoked fish), I’m reminded of 2 Catholic churches in Manila – Our Lady of Loreto (Sampaloc, Manila) and Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene). These are churches that I frequented when I was still living in the Philippines and street vendors selling tinapa lined up outside its walls …

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Arroz Ala Cubana (Filipino)

Arroz Ala Cubana 3

Arroz ala Cubana sounds so complicated and elegant but this dish actually has humble beginnings. It definitely is Spanish in origin but some countries have their own variations. The identifying ingredients are rice, egg and plantain. That’s how it’s done in South America. Spain adds tomatoes and tomato sauce on theirs while in the Philippines, …

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Sauteed Bean Sprouts with Fried Tofu (Ginisang Toge)

Ginisang Toge 2

Sometimes, we tend to overlook the simplest dishes. More often than not, they play a supporting role to the main meat dishes. But there are times when these very dishes are the ones we crave.  Ginisang Toge is a very versatile dish that just by making it, you can turn it into Lumpiang Sariwa (fresh …

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