Filipino style Fajita

Filipino Style Fajita Recipe - A Taste of the Philippines

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Filipino style fajitas are a delicious and flavorful twist on the classic Mexican dish. This recipe combines tender pork, fresh vegetables, and a blend of savory and tangy flavors to create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.

History

Fajitas are believed to have originated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the early 1930s. The dish was traditionally made with skirt steak, but over the years, variations using different meats and vegetables have become popular. The Filipino style fajita recipe adds a unique twist to the classic dish by incorporating traditional Filipino ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

300 g pork, sliced
100 g green beans
1 onion, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 red-hot chillies, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp tomato puree
a sprinkle of sugar
a dash of fish sauce
1 pack of mini tortillas

How to prepare

In a pan, heat garlic, onion, and chili.
Add pork chops and vegetables.
Add a small amount of water and let it simmer.
Add soy sauce, vinegar, a dash of fish sauce, and sprinkle some sugar.
The dish is done. Wrap it with microwaved tortillas (usually takes about 10 seconds to heat), and you will have your Filipino-style fajitas! It is best served cold with the hot tortillas.

Variations

Substitute chicken or beef for the pork for a different flavor.
Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Top the fajitas with grated cheese or sour cream for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the pork thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should be slightly crisp for the best texture.

- Adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice preference.

- For a smokier flavor, you can grill the pork and vegetables instead of cooking them on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Filipino style fajitas with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Filipino style fajitas is to cook the pork and vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp. This will ensure that the flavors are well-balanced and the textures are perfect.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork on hand, you can easily substitute chicken, beef, or tofu in this recipe. You can also use different vegetables based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pork and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and assemble the fajitas.

Presentation Ideas

To make the Filipino style fajitas more visually appealing, you can garnish them with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Filipino style fajitas pair well with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea. You can also serve them with a side of guacamole or salsa for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Filipino style fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the fajitas until heated through or warm them in a pan on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Filipino style fajitas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Filipino style fajitas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Filipino style fajitas contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Filipino style fajitas contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Filipino style fajitas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron due to the inclusion of fresh vegetables and pork.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Filipino style fajitas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Filipino style fajitas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of traditional Filipino cuisine with the classic Tex-Mex favorite. With a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a beautiful summer day, and I was visiting a friend in the Philippines. We decided to have a barbecue in her backyard, and as we were preparing the ingredients, she pulled out a handwritten recipe card from her grandmother.

"Filipino style Fajita," she said with a smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of Filipino style fajitas before, and I couldn't wait to see how they were made. The ingredients were simple - thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, soy sauce, and calamansi juice. But it was the combination of flavors and the cooking method that made this dish truly unique.

As we marinated the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and calamansi juice, my friend told me the story behind the recipe. Her grandmother had learned how to make fajitas from a Mexican friend who had immigrated to the Philippines many years ago. Over time, the recipe had been adapted to include local ingredients and flavors, creating a fusion of Mexican and Filipino cuisine.

I watched as my friend expertly grilled the marinated beef, peppers, and onions on a hot grill, the sizzling sound and mouthwatering aroma filling the air. The colors of the dish were vibrant - the red and green peppers contrasting beautifully with the golden brown beef.

Once everything was cooked to perfection, we assembled the fajitas on warm tortillas, topping them with a squeeze of calamansi juice and a dollop of spicy salsa. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to make Filipino style fajitas myself. I asked my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. I returned home with the recipe card in hand, determined to master this delicious dish.

Over the years, I have made Filipino style fajitas countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the flavors and textures of this unique dish.

Each time I make Filipino style fajitas, I am reminded of that sunny day in the Philippines, surrounded by friends and the smell of grilled meat and peppers. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and carry on the tradition of combining different culinary influences to create something truly special.

As I sit here, writing this story, I can't help but smile at the memories and the joy that Filipino style fajitas have brought into my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So the next time you are feeling adventurous in the kitchen, I encourage you to try making Filipino style fajitas. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite dish that will become a cherished part of your own culinary repertoire. Enjoy!