Adobong Labong

Adobong Labong Recipe - Delicious Filipino Bamboo Shoots Dish

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Adobong Labong is a traditional Filipino dish that highlights the versatility and unique flavor of bamboo shoots, known locally as "labong." This dish combines the earthy taste of bamboo shoots with the rich flavors of pork, shrimp, and a tangy vinegar-based sauce. It's a comforting meal that showcases the Filipino love for combining sour, salty, and savory flavors in their cooking. This recipe offers a delightful way to explore Filipino cuisine, bringing a taste of the Philippines right to your kitchen.

History

The history of Adobong Labong is deeply rooted in Filipino culinary traditions, where adobo is considered a national dish. Adobo, in general, refers to a cooking process that involves marinating and simmering meat or vegetables in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The use of bamboo shoots in this variant of adobo reflects the Filipinos' resourcefulness and their ability to utilize local ingredients to create flavorful dishes. Bamboo shoots, being abundant in the Philippines, have been a staple ingredient in many Filipino dishes for centuries, and incorporating them into adobo creates a unique and delicious variation that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

5 tbsp vegetable or corn oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
0.25 cup minced onion
0.5 cup pork, boiled for 15 minutes and cut into 0.5 inch cubes (save 1 cup stock)
0.5 cup shelled, deveined and minced shrimp
0.5 tbsp patis or salt
1 cup reserved pork stock
3 cups bamboo shoots cut into 2-by-2 inch squares
4 tbsp white vinegar
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until light brown and onion until transparent.
Stir in pork and shrimps and cook until shrimps are done (when they turn pink).
Add patis or salt, stock, and bamboo shoots.
Simmer for 15 minutes and add vinegar.
Continue simmering until the liquid has been reduced by half.
Add the remaining 3 tbsp of oil and cook for another 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Adobong Labong: Omit the shrimp and pork and add tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Adobong Labong: Add sliced chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili flakes to introduce some heat to the dish.
1. Vegetarian Adobong Labong: Omit the shrimp and use tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Adobong Labong: Add sliced chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
3. Coconut Milk Adobong Labong: Add a cup of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamier version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Freshness is key: For the best flavor, use fresh bamboo shoots if available. They should be tender and have a subtle sweetness.

2. Proper preparation of bamboo shoots: If using fresh bamboo shoots, make sure to boil them first to remove any bitterness. Canned bamboo shoots can be used as a convenient alternative but rinse them well to remove the briny taste.

3. Balancing flavors: The key to a great Adobong Labong is the balance between the vinegar's acidity and the saltiness from patis or salt. Adjust these seasonings according to your taste preference.

4. Let it simmer: Allow the dish to simmer until the liquid is reduced. This concentrates the flavors and tenderizes the bamboo shoots.

Serving Suggestions

Adobong Labong is best served hot with a side of steamed rice. The rice complements the tangy and savory flavors of the dish, making for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Cooking Techniques

The traditional method of cooking Adobong Labong involves sautéing, simmering, and reducing the sauce to concentrate the flavors. For a deeper flavor, some prefer to marinate the bamboo shoots in the vinegar mixture before cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Bamboo shoots: In the absence of fresh or canned bamboo shoots, hearts of palm can be a good substitute.

2. Shrimp: Chicken or pork can be used as alternatives to shrimp, or it can be omitted for a vegetarian version.

3. Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Adobong Labong can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Adobong Labong in a shallow bowl to showcase the bamboo shoots and shrimp. Garnish with sliced green onions or a sprig of cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Adobong Labong pairs well with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a cold beer. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled glass of calamansi juice complements the dish's flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or stock if the dish seems dry.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Adobong Labong contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main dish. The exact calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Adobong Labong contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of carbs in this dish comes from the bamboo shoots and the small amount of onion used. Bamboo shoots are low in carbs, making this dish a good option for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

This recipe contains about 10-15 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the corn oil used in sautéing and the natural fats found in the shrimp. Using lean cuts of pork or reducing the amount of oil can lower the fat content for a healthier version.

Proteins

Adobong Labong is a good source of protein, providing approximately 15-20 grams per serving. The protein comes from the shrimp and, if pork is used, the pork as well. This makes the dish a fulfilling and nutritious option for a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Bamboo shoots are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants that can benefit overall health. The shrimp adds additional nutrients, such as selenium and Vitamin B12.

Alergens

This dish contains allergens such as shrimp (shellfish) and may not be suitable for individuals with a shellfish allergy. Additionally, those with sensitivities to soy products should be cautious if substituting patis (fish sauce) with soy sauce.

Summary

Adobong Labong is a nutritious dish that offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's relatively low in calories, making it a healthy option for those watching their calorie intake.

Summary

Adobong Labong is a flavorful and nutritious Filipino dish that showcases the unique taste of bamboo shoots. With its combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, it's a delightful meal that can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, Adobong Labong is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a recipe for Adobong Labong, a Filipino dish made with bamboo shoots cooked in a savory and tangy sauce. I had never tried bamboo shoots before, but the combination of ingredients in this dish intrigued me. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I first came across the recipe for Adobong Labong when I was visiting my friend Maria in the Philippines. Maria was a wonderful cook and she loved sharing her recipes with me. She told me that Adobong Labong was a traditional Filipino dish that was often made with pork or chicken, but she had recently started making a vegetarian version using bamboo shoots instead.

Maria took me to the market where we bought fresh bamboo shoots, along with all the other ingredients we would need to make the dish. She showed me how to prepare the bamboo shoots by cutting off the tough outer layers and slicing them into thin strips. She also taught me how to make the adobo sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves that would give the dish its signature flavor.

As we cooked together in Maria's kitchen, the aroma of the adobo sauce filled the air. I watched as she added the bamboo shoots to the pot and let them simmer until they were tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. When the dish was done, we sat down to eat together, savoring each bite of the delicious Adobong Labong.

After my visit with Maria, I knew I had to recreate the recipe for Adobong Labong at home. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen. As I cooked, memories of my time in the Philippines flooded back to me, and I felt a deep connection to the dish and the people who had taught me how to make it.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my recipe for Adobong Labong, making it for family gatherings and special occasions. Each time I make it, I think of Maria and the time we spent together in her kitchen, learning and cooking side by side.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making Adobong Labong to the next generation. I love seeing their faces light up as they taste the dish for the first time, experiencing the unique blend of flavors and textures that make it so special.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories and experiences that have led me to this moment, I am grateful for the people who have taught me how to cook and the recipes that have been passed down through generations. Making Adobong Labong brings me joy and reminds me of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

So the next time you are in the mood for a delicious and comforting meal, why not try making your own version of Adobong Labong? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sharing the recipe with someone you love, passing on the tradition and creating new memories along the way.