Tinolang Manok
Highlighting a classic in Filipino cuisine, Tinolang Manok or Chicken Tinola is a beloved comfort dish that brings warmth to the heart. Traditionally served with a side of steaming hot rice, this flavorful soup has become an integral part of many Filipinos’ mealtime traditions.
Adobong Manok
When it comes to Filipino cuisine, Adobong Manok is a staple dish that has gained popularity worldwide. Translating to Chicken Adobo or Chicken Marinade, this mouthwatering recipe involves marinating chicken drum and thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, onions, vinegar, and peppercorn to infuse a rich and deep flavor profile. After allowing the chicken to marinate for at least a day, it is then pan-fried to achieve a deep red color and crispy texture that elevates this dish to new heights.
Pininyahang Manok
Often overlooked in Filipino cuisine, Pininyahang Manok – which translates to Pineapple Chicken – offers a delightful respite from the usual savory flavors of traditional soups. The sweetness imparted by the pineapple gives this dish a refreshing twist that sets it apart from its counterparts.
Chicken Sopas
Being a staple in Filipino cuisine, Chicken Sopas may seem straightforward at first glance. But, what sets it apart from other soups is the addition of evaporated milk, which gives it an unexpected thickness.
Chicken Paella
Highlighting their culinary creativity, the Philippines may not have originated paella, but they’ve put their own unique twist on the classic dish by incorporating an essential ingredient that makes it a rich and quintessentially Filipino staple. This secret ingredient is Spanish chorizo, which adds an unmistakable flavor profile to the beloved dish.
Taking their creativity further, Filipinos often take the extra step of dusting chicken thighs with flour before cooking, resulting in a delightful crunch on the chicken’s skin that complements the flavors and textures of the meal perfectly. It’s these little nuances that elevate the dish to new heights, making every bite a truly unforgettable experience. Go To Recipe
Ginataang Manok
Interestingly, the name ‘Manok’ is Filipino for chicken, a staple ingredient in many local dishes. Simplifying its meaning, ‘Ginataang’ translates to ‘done with coconut milk’, which is a key component of this popular recipe. In the Philippines, one word can convey an entire sentence’s worth of information – a testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of their language.
Ginataang Manok cooks the chicken in a flavorful mixture of ginger and coconut milk, making it a comforting choice for a cold winter’s day. This straightforward dish boasts only 6 ingredients and a simple 4-step method, perfect for those who want to whip up something delicious without fuss.
Sinampalukang Manok
Evidently, the term Sinampalukang refers to a dish cooked with tamarind, a unique ingredient that brings a distinct flavor profile. This brown fruit is not only known for its tangy taste but also has sweet undertones, making it a versatile herb used in various cuisines across the globe, particularly in countries like the Philippines and India where tropical environments allow for its cultivation.
In contrast, tamarind is relatively rare in Western countries due to its limited growth areas, confined to tropical regions. The Sinampalukang Manok soup, one of many dishes that utilize tamarind, boasts a sweet and tangy flavor from the tamarind leaves that adds a kick often missing in other soups.
Chicken Bicol Express
Generally, one might not expect Bicol Express to sound like a traditional Filipino dish given its name. Despite its unique moniker, this saucy meal is actually a relatively modern creation. In the 1970s, Chef Celey Kalaw concocted this recipe for a cooking competition and it quickly gained popularity in Manila. The dish’s namesake comes from Kalaw’s desire to give her culinary masterpiece a memorable title.
Her brother suggested that the name be inspired by the Philippine national railway that arrives in Manila, which seemed like the perfect fit. This rich and morish rice dish has been a favorite among locals ever since.
Chicken Barbecue In The Filipino Style
Often associated with summertime gatherings and outdoor cooking events, barbecues have become a beloved culinary tradition globally. However, each country has its own distinct flavor profile when it comes to this classic cooking method. In the Philippines, the twist on traditional barbecue flavors is particularly unique, incorporating local ingredients such as banana ketchup, chili sauce, and calamansi juice.
If you’re unfamiliar with these ingredients, don’t worry – they can be difficult to find in Western countries. Fortunately, if you have access to a local Filipino store or market, you may be able to track down these distinctive flavors and recreate this mouth-watering meal.
Lechon Manok
Interestingly, the term ‘Lechon’ refers to a piglet, but don’t be misled – this meal doesn’t contain any pork. The association with a pig is metaphorical, hinting at something entirely different. This dish necessitates filling the chicken with a rich tapestry of flavors, which explains why it’s called Lechon in the first place.The name ‘piglet’ is actually a play on words, used to humorously emphasize the diminutive size of the chicken that will be stuffed.
Chicken Inasal
Varying from other barbeque techniques, Chicken Inasal requires a more deliberate approach with its extended marinade period. Vital to this process is allowing the calamansi juice to penetrate the meat’s deepest areas, which necessitates a minimum of 1 hour for optimal results. Meanwhile, as it cooks, the chicken benefits from regular basting with star margarine and astute oil, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
Arroz Caldo
Just like many Filipino comfort foods, Arroz Caldo has a humble appearance but offers a delightful and satisfying experience. The simplicity of its ingredients, including ginger, fish sauce, garlic, and chicken, is part of what makes this dish so appealing. With just a few easy-to-find components, you can create a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.It’s a low-effort, high-reward meal ideal for lazy days when you need something to warm your belly and soothe your soul.
Chicken Asado
Varying from traditional Sunday roasts, an Asado Filipino chicken dish is quite unique in its preparation. While the name suggests a roasted meal, it’s actually marinated in a mixture of lemon juice or calamansi and soy sauce, with a tangy twist added by tomato sauce.This blend of flavors ensures a delightful experience for those who try it, making it worth exploring further.
Chicharron Chicken
Lying at the heart of Mexican cuisine, Chicharron refers to crispy fried pork rinds or cracklings. When applied to chicken, this dish transforms into a recipe that showcases the art of cooking tender and crunchy chicken skin. Typically served as a snack, Chicharron Chicken has become a popular guilty pleasure food for many, despite its less-than-healthy ingredients.
While it may not be a nutritious option, the combination of deep-fried skins and a flavorful peppercorn and patis coating makes it an irresistible treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai
Generally considered a type of spring roll, Lumpiang Shanghai has a distinct twist compared to its counterparts. While they share the familiar crunchy texture associated with traditional spring rolls, the filling is where it differs. In addition to ground chicken, the ingredients typically include eggs, onions, and carrots, making them both satisfying and addictive as snacks or side dishes.
Kalderetang Manok
Evidently, traditional Kalderetang recipes often feature goat meat as the main ingredient. This is rooted in the etymology of the word itself, which translates to cauldron in English. Historically, cooks would utilize large pots or cauldrons to prepare hearty stews, and tough meats were typically used for this purpose due to their ability to withstand long cooking times. However, the chicken kalderetang variant diverges from these conventional notions of a stew.
This modern adaptation incorporates rich and creamy flavors, including tomato sauce and olives, resulting in a dish that is both vibrant and savory.
Chicken Sotanghon Soup
Hailing from Southeast Asia, Sotanghon noodles are a popular ingredient in many dishes. The thin, stringy, and transparent nature of these noodles makes them easily recognizable, regardless of what they’re called – cellophane noodle or glass noodle. This delicate noodle pairs perfectly with the subtle soup in this recipe, allowing you to savor each bite and appreciate the intricate flavors that Sotanghon has to offer.
Pastel De Pollo
Yesterday’s classic recipes often still hold their charm today, and one such dish that comes to mind is the pastel de pollo. This traditional Latin American-style chicken stew is elevated by a flaky pie crust, giving it a comforting twist on a traditional English dinner table fare. You have two options when it comes to making the crust topping – either go the extra mile and make your own from scratch or simplify things with a pre-made frozen version.
The creamy sauce of this chicken pie is what truly sets it apart, and its rich flavors are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Go To Recipe
Chicken Curry
Fusing the traditional flavors of Indian chicken curry with the bold and aromatic ingredients of Filipino cuisine, this unique recipe offers a delicious blend of two distinct culinary styles. By combining the standard curry ingredients with classic Filipino staples, you can create a hybrid dish that is both familiar and excitingly new.
If you’re eager to experiment with international flavors but hesitant to venture too far from your comfort zone, this recipe provides a perfect starting point for exploring the rich and diverse world of global cuisine.
Pinoy-Style Buffalo Chicken Wings
Presented in this blog post is a fusion twist on the classic American dish known as buffalo wings. The origins of the name ‘buffalo’ don’t actually stem from the animal itself, but rather from the city located within New York state that shares its name.
Interestingly, when we take the original concept and infuse it with the flavors characteristic to Filipino cuisine, such as calamansi juice and banana ketchup, we are able to recreate the expected texture and heat associated with a traditional buffalo chicken wing, yet elevate it with an added sweetness reminiscent of the Philippines.
Nilagang Manok
Gaining popularity worldwide, Nilagang Manok is a traditional Filipino stew that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage. The name ‘Nilagang’ literally translates to ‘stew’ in Filipino, which hints at the dish’s hearty and comforting nature. Made with tender chicken, succulent potatoes, sliced bananas, and leafy bok choy, this meal is a symphony of sweet and savory flavors. A dash of fish sauce adds a salty kick, while the rich chicken broth ties everything together.
The overall effect is a soft and delicate dish that warms the senses and leaves you wanting more.
Chicken Potato Salad
Beneath its seemingly ordinary appearance, this potato salad is actually a masterful blend of creamy textures and rich flavors. The inclusion of chicken, relish, pineapple chunks, and cheese creates a harmonious balance between sweet and savory notes that may initially surprise Western palates, but in the Philippines, it’s a quintessential combination. If you’re eager to explore the unique flavors of Philippine cuisine, making this side dish is an excellent place to start your culinary journey.
Chicken Tocino
Versatility is a key characteristic of Tocino, as its name itself translates to ‘bacon’ in Spanish. Although this recipe doesn’t contain any pork, it cleverly replicates the flavor using a combination of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, and annatto juice. After marinating the chicken mixture in the fridge for 2 days, you pan-fry the chicken until a caramelized consistency covers the tender meat, resulting in a dish that’s sure to tantalize everyone’s taste buds on the street.
Chicken Afritada
Learning about the culinary traditions of the Philippines can be an exciting experience, especially when it comes to exploring dishes like Afritada. This Spanish-inspired dish, meaning ‘fried’ in Filipino, boasts a unique approach to cooking chicken. The ingredients list is quite eclectic, featuring a blend of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors. From tomato sauce and fish sauce to bell peppers and garlic, the combination may seem unusual at first glance.
However, it’s the integration of soy sauce and lemon juice that truly gives this recipe its distinctly Filipino twist. To see more of the unexpected flavor combinations used in this recipe, click on the link provided.
Chicken Salpicao
Taking inspiration from its Portuguese counterpart, which typically features sausage meat, the Filipino version of salpicao often uses beef sirloin as a main ingredient. Interestingly, Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce are commonly used to add depth and umami flavor to the dish. While beef is the preferred choice, chicken can be easily substituted, making it a versatile option for those looking to mix things up.
Fortunately, the recipe’s simplicity allows for quick preparation time of around 40 minutes, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
