Grilled Flank Steak is awesome! Got two thumbs up after the first bite and all throughout. This recipe is really great, and I just had a lonely mashed potato on the side (which did not turn out to be that lonely at all because of the great tasting steak). For me flank steaks are best when made into grilled flank steak – such as this recipe –or, if cooked into Filipino Beef Steak or Bistek Tagalog.

Preparation is the key for this delicious grilled flank steak. Make sure that the steak is marinated overnight using our delicious flank steak marinade (recipe link below) for that full flavor that you will enjoy. That’s it, all you need to do next is to grill it the right way, do not overcook the steak as it will be tough and less juicy.

How do you do your grilled flank steak?

Try this Grilled Flank Steak Recipe. Cheers!

Grilled Flank Steak Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. flank steak
• 1 serving flank steak marinade (use the exact measurement of the recipe in the link)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Procedure

1. Season the steak with a little salt and pepper
2. Place the flank steak in a strong resealable freezer bag. Pour the Flank steak marinade in the same bag. Let the air out and seal the bag. Place inside thr fridge. Marinate the steak in flank steak marinade overnight.
3. Heat-up the grill. Start to grill the marinated flank steaks for 6 to 7 minutes per side (time will depend on the thickness).
4. Remove from the grill. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes.
5. Slice into your desired thickness.
6. Serve with either white rice, grilled, corn or grilled potatoes on the side.
7. Share and enjoy!

Number of servings (yield): 4

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Grilled Flank Steak Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Nilupak is a delicious Filipino treat made from cassava. This is enjoyed in the Philippines as a snack and it can also be considered as a dessert, sometimes. Other ingredients involved are grated or shredded coconut, condensed milk, and butter or margarine. There are other Nilupak versions that make use of saba banana.

The traditional Nilupak recipe requires the use of fresh cassava root. The cassava is peeled, cleaned, and boiled until the texture is soft. It is then mashed and the rest of the ingredients are combined and mixed, afterwards. I think that the name of this dish (nilupak) was derived from the traditional method of it’s preparation – nilupak is a Filipino word and it’s English translation is “to mash” or “to crush”.

This Nilupak Recipe that we have here is quite different from the traditional recipe mainly because of the state of the cassava available in the market. I only have access to frozen grated cassava, which are imported from the Philippines. Since it is not a good idea to boil grated or shredded cassava, we’ll be making nilupak over the stovetop. There will be no boiling involved, but the process will still be simple. As for the taste, it really good – it taste like Cassava cake with grated coconut in it.

Try this Nilupak Recipe. Enjoy!

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Nilupak Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

From burgers to breakfast menus, hash browns are one the most widely served foods in the world. They are pieces of potatoes that have been cut, shaped and fried to give them a fresh, crunchy texture. While some countries prefer to eat them on their own, many others add them to sandwiches, breakfast food and burgers. Learn how to make hash browns fast and easily at home.

Nutrients in Hash Browns

Since hash browns are a product of potatoes, they have the same nutrients found in the vegetable. Potatoes are known to be rich in dietary fiber, which is filling and useful for digestion. They are also carriers of vitamins A, B and C, as well as the minerals iron, copper, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. Above all, they are reliable sources of potassium, a mineral known for supporting muscle, metabolism and the PH of bodily fluids.

Effect of Hash Browns on Your Health

Hash browns are satisfying, provided you know how to make hash brown properly. They can help break down foods if you suffer from indigestion and other stomach problems. They are also mineral-rich which gives you a boost to your overall health. How you make your hash browns also counts and can change the amount of calories in them. When frying, it is advisable to use healthier oils like canola, vegetable or olive oil.

How to Make Hash Browns the Right Way

Before you can make hash browns, you have to make sure potatoes are cooked first. You can prepare potatoes by either boiling, steaming or baking them.

Prepping

• To boil, fill a pot with water and add potatoes. Boil for 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft and tender.
• To bake, use a knife to punch several holes on potato surfaces. Wrap them in foil and bake at 350 F for about half an hour. If you don’t have foil, bake potatoes bare in the center of the oven until soft.
• Russet potatoes come highly recommended for making hash browns. Use 4 Russet potatoes for 1 hash brown patty.

Step 1:

When potatoes are cooked, give them a few minutes to cool down. Gently peel them and shred them with a grater.

Step 2:

Take grated pieces of potato and place them in a dish towel. Twist the dishtowel to drain as much water and moisture from them as possible.

Step 3:

In a pan, heat and melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter and a pinch of garlic, salt and pepper.

Step 4:

Grab a handful of shredded potatoes and add them to the pan, flattening them with a spatula until they are half an inch in thickness.

Step 5:

Fry each side until golden brown, which can be 3-5 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Knowing how to make hash browns can be very convenient and useful. Hash browns are delicious and can be added to all meals. Eat in moderation as potatoes can be high in carbohydrates. Choose healthier oils with healthy fats and season to your taste.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Make Hash Browns appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

From America to Australia, pasta has become a staple food for many cultures around the globe. Even though some eat it several times a week, it is often overcooked with a slippery texture. Traditionally, pasta is supposed to be served al dente or undercooked. Al dente pasta is ideal for making lasagnas, casseroles and other delicious Italian dishes.

Nutrients in Pasta

Pasta is considered a food to be avoided if you want to better your health. However, when made correctly, it can be a fiber-rich, filling food. The main ingredients of pasta are water, flour and salt. When it is made with whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, the fiber can improve and restore your digestive system. Pasta is also cholesterol-free and contains folic acid for cancer and disease prevention.

Apart from its fiber content, whole wheat pasta is a better choice because of the kind of carbohydrates it carries. Unlike white pasta, whole pasta has complex carbohydrates that are effective at regulating blood sugar. These carbs also provide sustained energy to keep you feeling balanced throughout the day.

Fresh Pasta vs. Dried Pasta

One of the factors you have to remember when learning how to cook pasta is the type it belongs to. Pasta is either fresh or dried. Fresh pasta is made of flour and eggs instead of water. It cooks in less time and tends to spoil quickly if not refrigerated. Dried pasta requires flour and water. After it is made, it is dried to eliminate moisture. Dried pasta is what is sold in grocery stores.

How to Cook Pasta the Right Way

Pasta is usually cooked on the stovetop but can be baked in the oven as well.

Step 1:

Fill a pot with water and allow it boil on high heat. Once it boils, sprinkle salt and stir.

Step 2:

Drop your pasta into the pot and cook uncovered until it is tender but still resistant when bitten into. Do the test between the 8 to 11 minutes of boiling.

Step 3:

Drain water immediately when pasta is done. Serve with Italian-style sauces.

How to Cook Pasta in Oven

Pasta is usually baked when recipes require cooked pasta as an ingredient. This is common with casseroles. The advantage of al dente pasta is that it is still hard enough to cook further without becoming too soft.

Step 1:

Follow boiling instructions above and drain.

Step 2:

Add other ingredients or layer the baking dish with al dente pasta. Bake in the temperature as indicated in your recipe.

The key to learning how to make pasta is to taste it while you’re cooking. Since package instructions can be unreliable, cook pasta at 5-minute intervals, tasting to see if it has an al dente bite. Keep in mind that fresh pasta cooks much faster than the dried, store-bought variety. Also, always choose whole wheat over white flour pasta for more nutrients.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Cook Pasta appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Cream of Asparagus Soup makes a rich and delicious appetizer. It has a nice thick texture and full of good flavor that will satisfy your taste buds. Aside from having theses positive qualities, Cream of Asparagus Soup is also easy to prepare and takes just a fraction of your time.

The trick in making the perfect Cream of Asparagus Soup is in the blender that you will use. You see, we need to blend the ingredients while we are cooking to achieve a smooth and thick texture. I always use an Immersion Blender for this job, and it never fails me. I also use the same blender to prepare smoothies and shake because it is convenient and easy to wash, compared to traditional blenders.

This Cream of Asparagus Soup is perfect for a light lunch or an appetizer for any kind of main dish. I love to have it with a few crackers on the side.

Try this Cream of Asparagus Soup Recipe. Enjoy!

Note: Some links on this post are affiliate links.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Cream of Asparagus Soup appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Whether it’s in a sandwich or a salad, bacon adds a salty, meaty flavor to any meal. You can fry it, grill it or bake it until it is good and crispy. Although it is loved for its taste, bacon also contains a decent amount of essential minerals and other nutrients. Regardless of what you need it for, learn how to cook bacon just the way you would like it.

Nutrients in Bacon

Bacon is made from pork cuts. This means it is rich in protein and iron. Bacon also carries several types of B vitamins that perform various important functions in the body. B vitamins can improve anything from immunity against sicknesses to skin health. Another good reason bacon is healthy for you is the magnesium, phosphorus and zinc it contains. Magnesium and phosphorus strengthen bone and teeth, while zinc accelerates healing and cell creation.

Natural vs. Packaged Bacon

Knowing how to cook bacon well depends on the cut and type of bacon you prefer. Packaged bacon has both benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, packaged bacon is usually more flavorful because it has been treated with flavoring solutions. On the down side, it contains nitrates, which are potentially harmful chemicals that are not healthy for the body.

Natural bacon comes highly recommended by nutritionists. It might not have the same strong flavor that packaged bacon has, but ranks higher in nutrient quality. Natural bacon doesn’t have preservatives and is low in fat. To strengthen the flavor of natural bacon, marinate it in your choice of seasoning before cooking.

How to Cook Bacon on Stovetop

Frying bacon is the quickest and most popular way to prepare it. You’ll need:

• 1-2 pounds bacon
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Step 1:

If using a non-stick pan, spray cooking spray on the entire surface. If it’s an ordinary pan, drizzle 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.

Step 2:

While the pan is still cool, lay out your bacon strips alongside each other without touching.

Step 3:

Turn on the stove and cook bacon on medium-low heat. Sauté until bacon is uniformly brown and slightly crispy on its sides. You can cook for longer if you prefer yours extra crispy.

Step 4:

Remove bacon strips with tongs and drain oil on a paper towel. Serve and enjoy.

How to Cook Bacon in Oven

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2:

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the bacon strips of the foil without overlapping. Bake until brown with crispy edges.

Step 3:

Remove from oven and drain on paper towels or a piece of newspaper. Serve.

How to Cook Bacon Tips and Tricks

Oil splatter is one of the challenges of cooking bacon. To minimize splatter, remove pan or baking sheet from heat during cooking and pour excess oil into a jar or container. When frying, it is better to add the bacon while the saucepan is still cool. Cooking times vary according to the thickness of bacon strips. The thicker your bacon cut, the longer you’ll have to cook it. Opt for bacon with less fat for weight management.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Cook Bacon appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Almonds have earned a reputation as a superfood and for good reason. Not only can you use them to make almond milk, they can be churned into almond butter as well. Almond butter is a paste very similar to peanut butter. It comes in several varieties including smooth and crunchy, and can be made easily at home.

Almond Butter vs. Peanut Butter

Almond butter is made using almonds, while peanut butter is made exclusively from peanuts. Experts argue that since almonds are not classified as nuts, they do not cause allergic reactions like peanuts often do. Both these butters have their unique sets of nutrients. In other words, it cannot be said that one is healthier than the other.

In terms of availability, it is harder to find almond butter in stores than it is with peanut butter. Because its availability is limited, almond butter tends to be more costly. The good news is that almond butter can be made cheaply at home.

Health Benefits of Almond Butter

Almond butter is loaded with a number of useful nutrients. It contains dietary fiber, protein and monounsaturated fats. This makes it an excellent food for muscle health and your digestive system. It is high in vitamin E, which can help prevent prostate cancer and bladder conditions. Vitamin E is also needed for healthy skin and has been shown to improve brain capacity.

Other nutrients present in almond butter include magnesium, calcium and potassium, which aid in maintaining strong bones, muscle and a healthy metabolism. Almond butter also fares high in copper, iron and phosphorus. These are all minerals needed by the body for red blood cell creation and cell oxygenation.

Cooking with Almond Butter

You can purchase several types of almond butter. The varieties available are crunchy, smooth, raw, roasted, salt-free and sprouted butter.  Its rich, nutty flavor goes well with fruit, bread and vegetables. You can add almond butter to smoothies and oatmeal for a super-nutritious breakfast. It also makes a good dip, frosting for baked treats and even dressing for salads.

How to Make Almond Butter at Home

Making almond butter is very quick and simple. All you need is:

• 3-4 cups of almonds, preferably toasted
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step 1:

Add almonds to a food processor and blend for about 30 minute. It should still be crunchy.

Step 2:

Use a spoon to scrape down the sides of the blender and continue to process for 10 to 15 minutes or until the oil comes.

Step 3:

Sprinkle salt and blend for another minute or so until creamy.

The consistency of your almond butter will depend on whether you like it smoother or crunchier. Pour the butter into a jar or container, close tightly and refrigerate for future use.

Almond butter is a great spread you can make in your kitchen quickly and easily. The paste can be served with a variety of fruit, vegetables, bread and even baked goods. People with allergies find almond butter to be a delicious alternative to peanut butter, which is equally as filling and nutritious.

Oh, and yes — the almond butter recipe do not require butter, but rather patience until the desired texture is achieved.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Make Almond Butter appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Liempo Estofado is a sweet stew composed of pork belly (liempo), saba banana, and carrots. The components are cooked in mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. This estofado recipe is a mild version similar to humba and adobo – this means that it is perfect with warm steamed white rice. Yum!

Preparing liempo estofado is simple. Just like most of the Filipino Stew recipes, the garlic needs to be quickly sautéed before the pork is added. The pork belly is made tender by simmering, and the rest of the ingredients are added towards the end.

It took me around 45 minutes to tenderize the pork belly. There will be a chance that the liquid will evaporate completely before the pork gets tender. In this case, try to add water before it happens.

Try this Liempo Estofado Recipe. Enjoy!

Liempo Estofado Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. pork belly, sliced
• 4 pieces ripe saba banana, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 3 pieces dried bay leaves
• 1/4cup red wine vinegar or cane vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Procedure

1. Heat the cooking oil in a cooking pot.
2. Sauté the garlic.
3. Add the pork and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour-in the soy sauce and water. Add the bay leaves and ground black pepper. Let boil and then simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add the vinegar and sugar. Cook for 15 minutes. Note: add water if needed
6. Put-in the banana and carrots. Cook for 10 minutes.
7. Add salt to taste.
8. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve.
9. Share and enjoy!

Number of servings (yield): 4

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Liempo Estofado Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Carbonara sauce is used in pasta dishes and is creamy, thick and somewhat meaty. When added to any kind of pasta, that dish is called carbonara pasta. The recipe for this winning sauce is surprisingly simple, which means anyone can learn how to make carbonara sauce at home. Although the authentic version is made using cream, others prefer to make it without.

What is Carbonara Sauce Made of?

There are two ingredients in carbonara sauce that remain unchanged: cheese and pancetta or prosciutto. Pancetta and prosciutto are similar to ham but are cured in different ways. They are both made from pork and can be used interchangeably. In addition to cheese and cured pork, other common ingredients include eggs and cream. Lactose intolerant people can learn how to make carbonara sauce without the cream.

Health Benefits of Carbonara Sauce

Because carbonara sauce contains a lot of dairy – cheese and cream – it provides plenty of calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are needed to maintain healthy teeth, as well as bone and muscle. Dairy is also rich in protein, phosphorus and B vitamins.

The second main ingredient, pancetta or prosciutto, are pork products. This means they have high levels of nutrients similar to dairy and iron. When the nutritional content of dairy and ham is combined, it can be beneficial for people with joint, bone and muscle conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. Carbonara sauce does, however, have high fat, some saturated and some unsaturated.

How to Make Carbonara Sauce with Dairy

For a great-tasting carbonara sauce, you will need:

• 1 pound cooked pasta
• 4 ounces of pancetta or prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a pot and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add the pancetta or prosciutto and sauté until lightly browned.

Step 2:

Add hot, cooked pasta into the pot and mix well.

Step 3:

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and cheese. Pour this cheese mixture into the pot with pasta. Stir, making sure pasta is coated with the carbonara sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little water and mix until it reaches the right consistency. Sprinkle parsley on top and serve.

How to Make Carbonara Sauce Tips and Tricks

While carbonara sauce can be prepared separately, it is better to make with pasta simultaneously. Hot pasta cooks the eggs even without heat from the stove plate. Make sure you combine ingredients off heat. When mixing cheese with eggs, stir vigorously to make sure that the mixture doesn’t produce lumps. Cook pasta the same time you make the sauce, otherwise it will be too cold to achieve the desired effect.

Carbonara sauce and pasta go hand in hand. When cooked properly, they make a delicious and nutritious combination. Learn how to cook carbonara sauce with pasta together for best results. Garnish the dish with your choice of herbs and spices for personalized flavor.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Make Carbonara Sauce appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Creamy, rich and decadent, brownies are always a welcomed treat. This dessert is enjoyed by so many that it dominates restaurant dessert menus and cookbooks in many parts of the world. There are different types of brownies and some are made with fillings of fruit, sauces and sometimes nuts. Find out how to make brownies with simple ingredients at home. Believe me, it is really easy to make brownies.

How to make brownies and what is it made of?

Ingredients used to make brownies are similar to that of chocolate cake. This is why they share the same flavor but differ in texture. Brownies are typically made using eggs, sugar, flour and other basic ingredients. Experienced cooks often add fresh fruit pieces to give them a fruity twist and others add peanut butter for a nutty taste.

Health Benefits of Brownies

There are a lot of brownie recipes available in print and online today, each with their set of ingredients. Cocoa powder is a major ingredient in brownies. If you’re learning how to make brownies but are worried about your health, you’ll be glad to know that cocoa powder has less sugar, contains vitamin A and has plenty of antioxidants that help prevent diseases. Butter is also a primary ingredient. While many opt for store-bought butter for convenience, you can always learn how to make butter at home for a healthier version. Homemade butter usually has more calcium and is creamier than those in stores. It is also more natural because it has no preservatives or added sugars. For the best brownies, choose unsalted butter to reduce sodium content. Dieters might need to watch their calories with brownies. Traditional brownies contain about 2 cups of sugar. While it might boost your energy quickly, these sugars are easily stored as fat. Keep your portions small and serve with fruit or nuts instead of ice cream.

What is the Difference between Brownies and Chocolate Cake?

This is a frequently asked question everywhere and the answer is simple. Cake is spongy and lighter in texture, while brownies tend to be dense with a stronger flavor. Brownies also require less flour and do not need baking soda like cakes do.

How to Make Brownies at Home

The recipe for brownies is short and sweet. You will need:

• 1 cup butter, preferably unsalted
• 2 cups sugar, white
• 1 tsp. vanilla essence or extract
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 4 whole eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups of flour, all-purpose
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Step 1: Soften butter by leaving it at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Do not melt. Preheat oven to 350 F. Step 2: Combine soft butter with sugar and mix well. Add cocoa powder little by little, mixing thoroughly. Add vanilla and eggs. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Sift the flour into the butter-sugar mixture. Combine and transfer the mixture into a baking pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes until a light crust forms at the top of brownies. Brownies are incredibly easy to make. Create more flavors by adding caramel sauce, cream cheese, chocolate chips, nuts and fruit. Watch your portions and enjoy.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Make Brownies appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Knowing how to cook rice is a basic culinary skill. However, with several types of rice available today, it is important to learn the best cooking methods for each kind. From wild rice to basmati varieties, rice is a nutrient-dense food you can’t afford to have on your diet. Not only is it healthy, it is also low-glycemic, low-calorie and very tasty.

Types of Rice

Learning how to cook rice depends on the kind of rice you want to prepare. Some popular varieties include white, brown, wild and basmati rice. White rice is the most widely consumed. In recent years however, brown rice is becoming more popular for its nutritional profile. Wild rice is slowly gaining more attention for its versatility and basmati rice is loved for its wonderful aromas and flavors.

In addition to types of rice, knowing whether it is long grain or short grain is important. Long grain rice can be easily identified by its long kernel and pointy edges. Short grain, on the other hand, has a shorter kernel. Long grain varieties become fluffy when cooked, while short grain tends to be sticky. Knowing how to cook rice according to grain size and type can help you choose the right one for your dish.

Health Benefits of Rice

All the above-mentioned kinds of rice have high amounts of nutrients like fiber, phosphorus and potassium. You have to keep in mind though that some rice contains more nutrients than others. Brown rice, for instance, is very high in fiber and is good at preventing bowel and digestive problems. Wild rice has very high protein content and the fewest calories.

There are some nutrients that are present in all rice types. These include calcium to strengthen teeth and bone, manganese for lower cholesterol, iron to create blood cells and zinc to boost the immune system.

How to Cook Rice the Right Way

Rice, regardless of type, can be prepared the same way. The biggest difference is in the cooking time. Although rice can be baked, the easiest way to learn how to cook rice is by boiling. Here is a basic method that will work on all rice.

Step 1:

Measure 1 cup of rice to every 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water and add to a pot. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat and cook rice until soft.

Step 2:

Alternatively, you can bring the water to a boil and transfer the hot pot into a preheated oven. Bake the rice at 375 F until the water has evaporated.

• White rice is done when it’s fluffy with a soft texture. Cooking time is 22-35 minutes.
• Brown rice is cooked when tender but with the capsule still intact. Additional water may be needed, which you can add towards the end. Cooking time is 28-45 minutes.
• Cooking time for wild rice is 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• It is best for Basmati rice needs to be soaked in water for a couple of hours and cooked for 20-30 minutes.

Knowing how to cook rice of different kinds is very beneficial. Not only will you achieve the perfect texture, but you can also choose which rice goes best with your meals. Generally, long grains should be soaked before cooking and keep in mind that some rice grains are naturally firmer when cooked than others. Serve with soups and use in dishes like Spanish rice and rice pilaf. Enjoy.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Cook Rice appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Inun-unan is a Filipino fish recipe that involves fish and vinegar along with some vegetables and spices. This inun-unan recipe is easy to follow because the steps are simple and easy. The result is a great tasting fish that you will enjoy with warm white rice.

Inun-unan is similar to paksiw in many ways – I think that this is the Visayan version of the paksiw na isda. I liked the idea of having ampalaya and eggplant incorporated in the dish because I had fun eating the vegetables especially ampalaya – it was not bitter at all. The fish is very flavorful too.I always like it dipped in spicy fish sauce (patis).

I used tulingan (bullet tuna) for this inun-unan recipe, but you can also use other varities of fish. Bangus and tilapia will make a good inun-unan, so does tuna and butter fish.

Try this Inun-unan Recipe. Enjoy!

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Inun-unan Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Popcorn is best known for being the official snack of movie theatres. Popcorn can also be a low-calorie, healthy snack for you to enjoy at home. There are two major types of popcorn: air-popped and oil-popped. Air-popped popcorn is considered healthier and nutrient-rich. Get your bag of corn seeds ready and learn how to make popcorn the healthy way.

Nutrients in Popcorn

Popcorn is categorized as a whole grain, which means it is filled with fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Because it is unprocessed, there is plenty of fiber in popcorn to regulate and improve your gastrointestinal health. The antioxidants found in popcorn can prevent cell damage and shield the body against a host of diseases.

Some of the minerals found in popcorn include copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. Adding servings of popcorn to your menu can therefore lead to improvements in immunity, muscle function, oxygenation, nutrient transportation and metabolism.

The Best Types of Popcorn

There are many brands of popcorn available today, some plain and others with added seasonings. Health-wise, the best popcorn options are the plain variety. These can be bought from food stores or natural food vendors. If you’re trying to lose weight or have a heart condition, avoid popcorn with added seasoning and ingredients. These types of popcorn are often high in saturated and trans fats, which can worsen heart disease and cholesterol.

How to Make Popcorn at Home

The best way to learn how to make popcorn is in a microwave or stovetop. For this, you’ll need:

• ¼ cup popping corn seeds
• 1-2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Butter to season
• Brown lunch bag (for microwave method)

How to Make Popcorn in Microwave

Step 1:

To make air-popped popcorn in your microwave, add seeds into the brown lunch bag. Fold the top twice to close.

Step 2:

Place bag with seeds upright in the microwave and cook on highest heat for 2-3 minutes. Popcorn is done when there is an 8-10 second interval between pops. Season it with butter and salt.

How to Make Popcorn on Stovetop

Step 1:

Add corn seeds, oil and a pinch of salt to a large pot. Coat the seeds well with oil and cover with lid.

Step 2:

Cook on high heat until you start to hear the corn seeds popping. Count the seconds between pops. If popcorn goes more than 8-10 seconds without popping, remove from heat.

Step 3:

Season with butter, salt and other preferred seasonings. Transfer into a large enough bowl and serve.

How to Make Popcorn Tips and Tricks

Please keep in mind then even if air-popped popcorn is healthy, its nutritional value changes with what you add and how much you eat. Butter is the main source of extra calories in popcorn, so use in moderation. Also, keep popcorn portions to 1-2 cups a serving. Regular-size movie popcorn actually contains about 20 cups, which amounts to more than 500 calories.

Popcorn is a tasty way to get rid of hunger without eating too many calories. Whenever possible, choose air-popped over oil-popped popcorn to reduce fat and increase nutrients. Be cautious when seasoning with butter and eat in moderation.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Make Popcorn appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Ube Biko is a delicious Filipino kakanin that seems to be a crossover between the traditional Filipino biko and ube halaya. I felt like I wanted to eat ube halaya and biko at the same time, but since I was too lazy to make 2 dishes separately – I decided to do a crossover dish, thus ube biko is here.

This is my first time making ube biko. A week before, my wife and myself strolled the Asian isle of our local grocery store (as we always do) to look for interesting ingredients. We have the habit to grab ingredients from the shelves even if we do not have any plan on it yet. There will always be that “Aha!” moment that will lead us to create something interesting. The powdered ube was one of those ingredients – and there were more dishes that I was able to make with powdered ube, which I will share soon.

As you all know, ube by itself will not give you the “ube like” flavor. I always use an ingredient called ube flavor (or flavoring) from mccormick; this provides all the ube flavor that I need. It also helps enhance the color turning it more purplish.

If you love kakanin, I encourage you to give this ube biko a try.

Try this Ube Biko Recipe. Let me know what you think.

Ube Biko Recipe

 

Author: Vanjo Merano

Nutrition Information

• Serves: 6

• Serving size: 6

Prep time:  5 mins

Cook time:  60 mins

Total time:  1 hour 5 mins

Print

Ingredients

• 1½ cups glutinous rice or sweet rice (malagkit)
• 1¼ cups granulated white sugar
• 1¾ cups water
• ½ cup ube powder (powdered dehydrated purple yam) or freshly grated purple yam
• ¼ teaspoon salt.
• ½ teaspoon ube flavoring
• 4 cups coconut milk

Instructions

1. Combine rice and water in a cooking pot. Cover the pot and turn on the heat .
2. Adjust the heat to a simmer once the water starts to boil. continue to cook the rice until the water is completely absorbed. Note: try to stir the rice once in a while to prevent it from sticking to the cooking pot.
3. Meanwhile, pour the coconut milk in another cooking pot . Let boil.
4. Gradually add the sugar while stirring. Put-in the ube powder and stir. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes in low to medium heat while stirring.
5. Add salt and ube flavoring. Continue to cook for 3 minutes or until the texture becomes thick.
6. Once the rice absorbs the water, combine the coconut milk mixture to the glutinous rice. Mix well and continue to cook while stirring until the rice is completely cooked and the desired texture is achieved.
7. Transfer to a serving tray lined with banana leaves.
8. Top with toasted grated coconut.
9. Serve. Share and enjoy!

3.2.2708

Watch the cooking video:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3VIFwNc4m4

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Ube Biko Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Salsa is a red, hot sauce that is as popular and common as ketchup in many countries. It is believed to have been created in Latin America before the recipe was spread to other parts of the world. It is now made in many variations. Some like it hot, others mild. Some use tomatoes; others prefer a mango-based sauce. Whatever your preferences, learn how to make salsa to add a zing to your menu.

What is Salsa Made of?

The traditional version of salsa is made with tomatoes, seeded chili peppers and onions. Cilantro is also a popular herb that can be added for flavor. As mentioned earlier, many nations have modified the original recipe, replacing tomatoes with carrots, mangoes and green onions. Some prefer substituting cilantro with paprika or using basil and parsley for a milder flavor.

Health Benefits of Salsa

You can gain a lot by learning how to make salsa if you’re losing weight. Chili peppers have been strongly associated with weight loss in recent years because of a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce appetite naturally. In fact, it is now available as a supplement at health food and drug stores.

Other nutrients present in salsa are dependent on which ingredients you use. If you go with tomatoes, you can benefit from lycopene’s disease-fighting, anti-aging properties. A carrot-based salsa will be high in vitamin A to increase energy and improve vision. Mango-based sauces provide more than enough vitamin C to prevent everything from colds to cancer.

What is Salsa Used for?

Salsa is a condiment, which means you can use it the same way you use tomato sauce. Serve it as a dip for baked fries, nachos and crackers. Add a zing to lean burgers, pizzas and pastas. Serve it with salads or in soup. Add it as a sauce for shrimp, scampi, salmon and other seafood dishes. There are countless dishes you can serve salsa with.

How to Make Salsa at Home

Knowing how to make salsa at home is economical, simple and convenient. To make the classic sauce, you will need:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 8 tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 2-6 red or green chili peppers, finely chopped
• 1 handful cilantro, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon sugar, brown or white
• Juice from 2 lemons or lime
• Salt as needed

Step 1:

Mix onion and lemon/lime juice in a medium bowl. Add diced tomatoes, peppers, cilantro and sugar. Combine well.

Step 2:

Once the sugar dissolves, cover the top of the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Serve.

How to Make Salsa Tips and Tricks

Prepping chili peppers and tomatoes can be tricky. To peel peppers, insert a skewer in each and hover over a griddle pan or gas burner to blister the skin. Put peppers in a bag, close it and leave for 20 minutes before peeling. Cut them open, remove seeds and chop. To peel tomatoes, make small cross cut on the bottom and pour them with boiling water. Plunge them immediately in cold water until the skins loosen.

Salsa has benefits for your palate and your waistline. Learn how to make salsa to replace unhealthy condiments and to give flavor to your daily meals.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Make Salsa appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Crab legs are a wonderful delicacy for seafood-lovers. They are meaty enough to satisfy but light enough to have as a treat between meals. Crab legs are good sources of protein and minerals, which are essential for good health. There are several types to choose from, all of which can be cooked in a matter of minutes. Learn how to cook crab legs as a culinary surprise for friends and family.

Nutrients in Crab Legs

Crab meat is not only succulent, but nutrient-dense as well. Crab legs provide plenty of protein, calcium, magnesium and potassium. These nutrients play important roles in muscle function, bone restoration and dental health. Crab legs also have traces of iron, selenium, chromium and zinc, which improve blood pressure, cell creation and metabolism.

Buying the Best Crab Legs

Before you learn how to cook crab legs, you should know a little about the variety available. Crab legs differ in size, flavor and tenderness. While some originate from fresh waters, others are from salty waters. King crab legs, for instance, are the largest but tend to be the most expensive too. Jonah, Southern Tanner and snow crab legs have a sweeter, delicate flavor. Others find Dungeness crabs the most succulent and delicious.

How to Cook Crab Legs the Right Way

Crab legs are often sold frozen. The best way to thaw them is in the fridge overnight. For a quick defrost, soak crabs in cold water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If fresh, try to cook them within 2 days.

How to Cook Crab Legs by boiling

Step 1:

Fill two thirds of a large pot with water. Add a dash of salt and bring to a low boil.

Step 2:

Fold or tuck crab legs and drop them into pot of boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Fish crab legs out with tongs and cut shell open with sharp sears. Season them with butter, garlic and salt. Serve.

How to Cook Crab Legs in the Oven

Step 1:

Thaw crab legs in fridge overnight and rinse under cool water. Preheat oven to 375 F.

Step 2:

Place the legs still inside the shell on the top grill rack or plate. Rack or plate should have openings or holes.

Step 3:

Fill half of a large baking dish with hot water and place it on the rack right underneath the crab legs to catch moisture. Bake for half an hour.

Step 4:

After roughly 30 minutes, use one crab leg to check if meat is ready. Cut open the shell. If it is cooked, it will be hot. If the meat is still cool, continue baking crab legs for another 10 minutes.

Crab legs are a tender, delicious meal you can share with your guests. They can be cooked effortlessly by boiling, baking or steaming. Be careful not to overcook or over-season crab meat. Whenever you can, leave meat inside the shell as it makes crab legs more succulent. Serve with tartar sauce, salsa verde, homemade mayonnaise or garlic butter.

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post How to Cook Crab Legs appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Filipino Pork Chop Steak is my pork chop version of bistek. This easy pork chop recipe has the wonderful taste of bistek tagalog — less the beef, and it is simple to the point that a person new to cooking can follow the recipe with ease.

I am using thick sliced pork chops for this recipe. I have no control on the slices because I purchased the meat this way. On the brighter side, having thick pork chops for Filipino Pork Chop Steak will give you a juicer meat, and I think that it is something that I can live by. Another thing about pork chops here in the US is that most meat shops or grocery stores remove the fat and skin. I have to go to a Hispanic meat shop or to a Filipino meat shop in order to grab a cut with fat and skin intact. For health reasons,I prefer pork chops without fat — but I think that the one’s with fat on are more enjoyable. What is your preference?

One thing that you need to do in order to have a successful Filipino Pork Chop Steak is to monitor the texture of the meat. Make sure not to over fry the meat during the first step and you will also need to ensure that the meat is tender enough before the onions are added. As for the soy sauce and seasonings, the measurements that I provided in the recipe below are just my recommendation for a light tasting pork chop steak sauce; you can add more soy sauce if you want.

Try this Filipino Pork Chop Steak Recipe. Let me know how it went.

Filipino Pork Chop Steak Recipe

 

Author: Vanjo Merano

Nutrition Information

• Serves: 6

• Serving size: 6

Prep time:  10 mins

Cook time:  50 mins

Total time:  1 hour

Print

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. pork chops
• 5 to 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1½ cups water
• 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced crosswise
• juice from 3 limes or 4 large calamansi
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan.
2. Pan-fry both sides of the pork chop for 3 to 4 minutes or until medium brown.
3. Pour-in soy sauce and lime (or calamansi) juice.
4. Add water and sugar. Let boil. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until the pork becomes tender. Note: add more water if needed.
5. Put-in the onions, salt (only if needed), and pepper. Cook for 8 more minute. Note: The dish should have some sauce in it when its done. Adding enough water in the middle of the process will help as long as you make sure that you control the amount.
6. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with rice.
7. Share and enjoy!

3.2.2708

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Filipino Pork Chop Steak Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Pulled Pork Crock Pot is an easy to make pork dish that is best eaten with bread such as potato bread, Kaiser rolls, or hamburger buns. I also enjoy eating pulled crock pot with grilled corn.

Although this pulled pork crock pot recipe is simple, you will need to let the pork cook slowly in a slow cooker for several hours in low heat. This cooking process will bring out the entire flavor from the pork while making the meat as tender as it can be. Don’t worry; the long wait is worth it.

Instead of just using barbecue sauce to make your pulled pork crock pot– which you always can, especially when you are too lazy to mix the ingredients – I tried to combine brown sugar with vinegar and other seasonings. These ingredients are pretty much used to make barbecue sauce anyway. I also used Filipino sugar cane vinegar (I think that this is awesome, by the way). At the end, I was able to achieve the perfect pulled pork taste that I wanted.

After several hours of slow cooking, it is time to enjoy your pulled pork crock pot. You’ll notice that there will be more liquid in the slow cooker. This is the liquid that came out of the pork during the process. It is very tasty, so make sure that you do not throw the liquid away. What you can do is to pour the liquid in a saucepan and cook it on a stovetop until it reduces to half or so. This will be the sauce of your pulled pork crock pot.

Try this Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe. Cheers!

Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe

 

Author: Vanjo Merano

Nutrition Information

• Serves: 8

• Serving size: 8

Prep time:  5 mins

Cook time:  7 hours

Total time:  7 hours 5 mins

Print

Ingredients

• 4 lbs. pork shoulder
• 1 medium sweet onion, minced
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup cane vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce

Instructions

1. Arrange the minced onion at the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Lay-in the pork shoulders. You can divide the pork shoulders in half if it does not fit the crock pot.
3. Combine salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and Sriracha sauce in a bowl. Mix well. Pour the mixture in the crock pot. Cover and slow cook for 7 hours.
4. Remove the pork and let cool. Shred the pork using your hands. Set aside.
5. Transfer the remaining liquid in a sauce pan. Cook the liquid and reduce in half. Pour over the pulled pork crock pot.
6. Serve. Share and enjoy

3.2.2708

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Pulled Pork Crock Pot Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Broccoli Bacon Salad is a perfect salad recipe for bacon lovers out there that want to enjoy crisp and tasty broccoli with their beloved bacon. I think that I am describing myself here, unless there are some of you who loves bacon and want to make healthy salads with it once in a while.

There is not much cooking involve when you make broccoli bacon salad. The only cooking will probably be with the bacon, and our task is to make the bacon crisp. Do not worry because I indicated a link below pointing to one of our post on how to cook bacon. You can use this as a guide.

Once the bacon is cooked, Broccoli Bacon Salad can easily be made by making the salad dressing and combining all the ingredients together. I’m sure that all of you won’t have a hard time doing that. As you know we always try our best to present the recipes as simple as possible so that even beginners can follow.

If you want to cut back on mayonnaise, which is one of the ingredients of Broccoli Bacon Salad, try to use light sour cream as an alternative ingredient.

Try this Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe; have fun!

Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe

 

Author: Vanjo Merano

Nutrition Information

• Serves: 3

• Serving size: 3

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  10 mins

Total time:  25 mins

Print

Ingredients

• 6 bacon slices, cooked
• 1 head broccoli, florets chopped
• 1 cup shredded monterrey jack cheese
• ½ small sweet onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup roasted cashews

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by combining the vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Add the minced onion and stir.
3. Combine the broccoli and the dressing. Gently toss.
4. Crumble the bacon and add to the bowl with broccoli. Add the cashew and cheese, as well. Continue to toss gently until all the ingredients are well belended.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve.
6. Share and enjoy

3.2.2708

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.

Ginataang Bilo-bilo with Langka is a Filipino meryenda dish composed of glutinous rice balls – locally known as bilo-bilo, coconut cream, sugar, sago pearls, and ripe jackfruit. I think that this is a simplified version of the Ginataang halo-halo (also known as binignit).

Cooking Ginataang Bilo-bilo with Langka is fairly easy, as long as you have the sago cooked and the glutinous rice balls ready. The process involves a little bit of boiling, stirring, and mixing – and you’ll have your tasty delicious Filipino snack soon. I like to have my Ginataang Bilo-bilo with Langka warm if I am eating it sometime in the afternoon. However, I really like it cold if it is for breakfast. Why? I really don’t know. I guess that I was just used to having it this way ever since. How about you?

As for the sago pearls, you can use either the big ones (used to make sago at gulaman), or the cute tiny ones. You can even a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture to make your Ginataang Bilo-bilo with Langka taste better. Try this Ginataang Bilo-bilo with Langka. Enjoy!

Ginataang Bilo bilo with Langka

 

Author: Vanjo Merano

Nutrition Information

• Serves: 6

• Serving size: 6

Prep time:  5 mins

Cook time:  40 mins

Total time:  45 mins

Print

Ingredients

• 20 to 25 pieces glutinous rice balls (Bilo-bilo)
• 1 (20 oz.) can ripe jackfruit
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups coconut cream
• ¾ cup granulated white sugar
• 1½ cups cooked sago

Instructions

1. Pour the water in a cooking pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the coconut cream. Stir and cook until the mixture starts to boil again.
3. Gradually stir-in the sugar.
4. Add the ripe jackfruit. Cover and cook in low heat for 15 minutes.
5. Add-in the bilo-bilo. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes while stirring every 3 minutes.
6. Put-in the sago. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes more.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve.
8. Share and enjoy!

3.2.2708

Watch the cooking video:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYQx4el_xJk

Download the Free Panlasang Pinoy eCookbook

The post Ginataang Bilo bilo with Langka Recipe appeared first on Panlasang Pinoy.