Introduction
Filipino cuisine is known for its rich flavors, but it doesn’t have to rely on pork. Many dishes can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences while still retaining their delicious taste. In this article, I’ll guide you through five Filipino recipes that use alternative proteins like chicken, seafood, and vegetables without compromising on flavor.
Let’s dive into these Filipino classics!
Recipe 1 – Chicken Adobo
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar (preferably cane or white vinegar)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. Add the chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and brown on all sides.
Step 3: Simmer the Adobo
- Pour the reserved marinade, water, and bay leaves into the pot. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add brown sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Chicken Adobo over steamed rice, drizzling the sauce on top.
Recipe 2 – Sinigang na Isda (Fish Sinigang)
Ingredients
- 1 pound fish fillets (tilapia, bangus, or other white fish)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 1 radish, sliced
- 1 bunch water spinach (kangkong)
- 1 green chili pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste (or 1 packet tamarind soup mix)
- 4 cups water
- Fish sauce and salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Fish
- In a large pot, boil water along with the onions and tomatoes. Add the fish and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Add the radish and cook until tender. Stir in the tamarind paste or soup mix for a tangy flavor.
Step 3: Final Touch
- Add the water spinach and green chili pepper. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Recipe 3 – Lumpiang Gulay (Vegetable Spring Rolls)
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Lumpia wrappers (spring roll wrappers)
- Oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a pan, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the carrots, cabbage, and green beans, cooking until tender.
- Season with soy sauce and mix well.
Step 2: Roll the Lumpia
- Lay a lumpia wrapper flat and place a tablespoon of filling near one corner. Roll the wrapper tightly, folding the sides inward as you roll. Seal the edge with a dab of water.
Step 3: Fry the Lumpia
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the lumpia until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Drain on paper towels and serve with vinegar or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Recipe 4 – Pancit Bihon (Filipino Rice Noodles with Chicken)
Ingredients
- 8 oz pancit bihon noodles (rice noodles)
- 1/2 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
- Heat oil in a large pan. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant, then add the chicken and shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Add the carrots and cabbage, stirring until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Add Noodles and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the pancit bihon noodles and cook until the noodles have absorbed the liquid.
Step 4: Flavor with Soy Sauce
- Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Toss the noodles with the vegetables and meat until well combined.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the Pancit Bihon hot, garnished with calamansi (Philippine lime) if available.
Recipe 5 – Turon (Fried Banana Rolls)
Ingredients
- 4 ripe saba bananas (or plantains), sliced lengthwise
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup jackfruit strips (optional)
- Lumpia wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
- Roll the banana slices in brown sugar to coat them.
Step 2: Assemble the Turon
- Place a banana slice (and jackfruit if using) on a lumpia wrapper. Roll tightly, sealing the edges with a dab of water.
Step 3: Fry the Turon
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the turon until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Turon hot, with a sprinkle of extra sugar if desired.
Conclusion
Filipino cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors, and even without pork, these dishes retain their authentic taste. Whether you’re enjoying the tangy broth of Sinigang na Isda or savoring the crispy sweetness of Turon, these pork-free recipes are sure to bring the delicious essence of Filipino cooking to your kitchen. Give them a try and enjoy the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines!
