5 Easy Panlasang Pinoy Recipes for Quick Meals

The allure of Filipino cuisine lies not just in its rich flavors but also in its simplicity. Many Panlasang Pinoy recipes are known for their easy preparation and mouthwatering results, perfect for those busy days when you need a quick meal. Here are five simple yet delightful Filipino dishes that you can whip up in no time, showcasing the essence of Filipino cooking.

1. Adobong Manok (Chicken Adobo)

Adobo is perhaps the most iconic dish in the Pinoy culinary world. This recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a flavorful, comforting meal.

• Ingredients:
• 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 3 bay leaves
• Instructions:
1. In a pot, combine all ingredients. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour for better flavor.
2. Heat over medium heat until it starts to boil. Then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
3. Adjust taste with salt or more vinegar if needed.
4. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite vegetable side dish.

🍗 Note: Chicken can be substituted with pork, or a mix of both for a variation on this classic dish.

2. Sinangag (Garlic Fried Rice)

This staple breakfast dish is a fantastic way to use leftover rice, transforming it into something flavorful and satisfying.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan.
2. Add garlic and fry until golden brown. Be careful not to burn as it becomes bitter.
3. Add the rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry until heated through and well mixed with the garlic.
4. Season with salt to taste. You can also add some green onions for color and flavor.

3. Tapsilog (Tapa, Sinangag, Itlog)

This popular Filipino silog meal consists of beef tapa (cured beef), garlic fried rice, and a sunny-side-up egg, representing a hearty and tasty breakfast or brunch.

• Ingredients for Tapa:
• 500g beef sirloin (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tbsp calamansi juice or lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp oil
• Instructions:
1. Mix all the tapa ingredients (except oil) and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Heat oil in a pan, fry the beef slices until cooked and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
3. Cook Sinangag as per previous instructions.
4. Fry the eggs to your liking.
5. Serve tapa with garlic fried rice and egg. Optionally, add pickled papaya (atchara) on the side.

4. Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw

This is a simple yet flavorful vegetarian dish made with squash (kalabasa) and string beans (sitaw) cooked in coconut milk.

• Ingredients:
• 1 small squash, peeled and cubed
• 200g string beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 small ginger (sliced)
• 1-2 tbsp fish sauce or shrimp paste (optional)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Instructions:
1. Sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger in a little oil until aromatic.
2. Add the squash, cook for a few minutes, then add the string beans. Stir-fry briefly.
3. Pour in the coconut milk, season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
5. Serve with hot rice.

🌱 Note: For a vegan-friendly option, skip the fish sauce or use a vegan substitute.

5. Pansit Luglog

A quick version of the popular Pansit, this dish features rice noodles drenched in a savory sauce, topped with an array of garnishes.

• Ingredients:
• 500g fresh rice noodles (bihon)
• 1/2 cup annatto oil (achuete)
• 2 cups shrimp broth
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Crushed chicharon
• Green onions
• Fried garlic
• Boiled eggs
• Shrimp and pork (optional)
• Instructions:
1. Blanch noodles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
2. In a pot, combine annatto oil, shrimp broth, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil and adjust taste as needed.
3. Pour the sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Top with your choice of garnishes like chicharon, green onions, fried garlic, and boiled eggs.

To wrap up, these five recipes offer a delightful glimpse into the world of Filipino cooking where flavor meets convenience. Whether you're looking to prepare a quick weeknight dinner or exploring the nuances of Filipino cuisine, these dishes are a fantastic starting point. From the classic Adobo to the vibrant Pansit Luglog, each recipe highlights the balance of flavors that Filipinos cherish – a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami. Enjoy the process of cooking these meals and the joy they bring to your table.

Can I prepare any of these dishes without meat?

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Yes! You can easily make these dishes vegetarian or vegan by skipping the meat and using alternatives like tofu or mushrooms for protein. For recipes like Adobo, simply use soy sauce and vinegar to flavor vegetables.

Are there any health considerations to keep in mind?

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Filipino dishes can be high in sodium and occasionally in sugar. Adjust the salt and sugar levels to suit your dietary needs. Also, using lean meats and incorporating more vegetables can help make these recipes healthier.

Can I prepare these recipes in advance?

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Many of these dishes taste better when the flavors have had time to meld. Adobo and Tapa can be marinated a day in advance, and dishes like Pansit Luglog can be prepped partially ahead. Just keep garnishes and final cooking steps for serving day to ensure freshness.