Despite the ongoing restrictions in the country, Filipino- Australians find a way to keep the flavours of life going through food. We asked people to share their favourite lockdown dishes. Here's our top 5.
1. Chicken Barbeque
Filipinos love to grill and skewer, so what stops us from doing so? Even the lockdown can't hold people down. Try it out too!
How to cook:
Source: Chef Bambi Jimenez
- Prepare chicken (part depending on your own choice)
- Add soy sauce (less salty the better)
- Add garlic (can be the ones in bottles)
- Add brown sugar or raw sugar
- Add salt and pepper
- Add tomato paste
- Squeeze some lemon (can also be in squeezable bottle)
- Lastly, add chicken powder or chicken stock
2. Beef Brisket
Perhaps the most detailed dish in the list, but for sure is indeed worth to try. Can be served for lunch or dinner, depending on your preference.
How to prepare:
- 1 kg beef brisket (cubed)
- 1 cup soy sauce (datu puti, silver swan, lee kum kee)
- 1-2 cups water
- 2 pcs knorr beef cubes
- 1 cup white sugar (or brown sugar)
- 3 Tbsp minced garlic (1 whole fresh garlic, chopped)
- 1 onion, cut in half
- 2-3 tsp crushed ginger, or 2 thumbs fresh ginger
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 large green pepper (cayenne)
- 10 whole peppercorns
- Combine all above and simmer for 2-3 hours.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, roasted in a pan until brown
3. Sauteed Choy Sum or Chinese Broccoli
Cheap and healthy is what's in store for you during lockdown. Appetizer or can be your 'ulam', it is totally up to you.
How to cook:
Source: Ivy Sugano
- Get a bundle of choy sum/ chinese broccoli and cut in half
- Cover it in cling wrap and microwave for 4 minutes
- Give it a dash of sesame oil
- Put some oyster sauce
- Add some kecap manis
- Add a sprinkle of roasted garlice
4. Karioka
Definetly one of the most favourite Filipino snacks/ merienda out there. In fact, it can also be a rarity finding these as compared to turon. But don't worry, we got you the ingredients to try for yourself
What to prepare:
- 2 cups glutinous flour
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- oil for deep frying
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
5. Spamsilog
Perhaps one of the simplest but definitely satisfies your taste buds. Here is some breakfast treat for you featuring our infamous 'silog' series.
How to prepare:
- Spam - pan fry 2 mintues each side
- Egg - fry it according to your preference
- Fried rice or plain rice
- Oil - add a little
Try these quick and easy dishes and for sure they will add flavour to your lockdown season. Whether you share it with your family or just enjoy it on your own, you are the star of your own kitchen.
For sharing their dishes, special thanks to: Chef Bambi Jimenez, Ivy Sugano, Thomas Patrick, Lorenzo James Villafuerte
