🍗 🍌🥘𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐍 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐅𝐀𝐃𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐄 (𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞)⭐😋💜
📝𝑰𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔:
700g chicken (thighs or drumsticks)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 pcs saba banana, sliced & fried
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp vinegar
1 cup water
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 bay leaf
1 carrot (optional), sliced
Salt & pepper to taste
Cooking oil
👩🍳𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔:
1️⃣ Fry saba (2–3 mins): Pan-fry banana slices until lightly golden. Set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté (3 mins): In a pan, sauté garlic and onion.
3️⃣ Add chicken (8 mins): Add chicken pieces, cook until lightly brown.
4️⃣ Season (no stir): Pour in soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, and water.
5️⃣ Simmer (20–25 mins): Cover and simmer until chicken is tender and sauce reduces.
6️⃣ Finish (1 min): Add the fried bananas and gently mix. Adjust sweetness/saltiness.
🕒 Total Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Chicken Estofado is a classic Filipino stew that uniquely combines savory and sweet flavors, making it a must-try dish for those interested in Filipino cuisine. The inclusion of saba bananas fried to a lovely golden brown adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken simmered in a sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Using chicken thighs or drumsticks is ideal because they remain juicy and flavorful during the slow simmering process. This dish is versatile and can be paired wonderfully with steamed white rice, which helps soak up the rich, slightly tangy sauce. For added depth, some cooks like to include vegetables such as sliced carrots, which contribute extra color and nutrition without overpowering the dish. A bay leaf is essential for that subtle herbal note, rounding out the stew's aroma and taste. When preparing the fried saba bananas, it’s important to slice them evenly and fry them until just golden to achieve the appropriate sweetness and to keep their shape intact. This cooking method highlights the Filipino tradition of mixing savory and sweet ingredients, creating dishes that are both comforting and complex. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Filipino cooking while being accessible to home cooks of all levels. Experimenting with the balance of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar allows personalization of the flavor to your preference—more vinegar for tanginess or more sugar for sweetness. Overall, Chicken Estofado is an authentic Filipino delight that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, inviting you to experience a taste of the Philippines right in your own kitchen.
