There are a plethora of traditional meat dishes from different cultures around the world, each with unique flavors and cooking techniques. Food is an integral part of any culture, and traditional dishes are often the result of centuries-old recipes passed down through generations. One of the most commonly used ingredients in traditional cuisine is meat. Meat has always been a staple in diets around the world, providing nourishment and flavor that is unique to each country’s culture.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular meat-based traditional dishes from around the world.
One of the most famous traditional dishes from Argentina is Asado, which is a grilled meat dish. Asado is usually made with pork meat and is cooked over an open flame. The meat is seasoned with salt and cooked until it’s tender and juicy.
Japan has a rich culinary history, and one of its most famous meat dishes is Wagyu beef. This meat is known for its marbled texture and is often served as a steak. Another popular dish is Sukiyaki, which is a hot pot dish made with thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu cooked in a sweet soy sauce broth.
Jamaica is known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, and one of its most famous meat dishes is Jerk Chicken. This dish is made by marinating chicken in a spicy seasoning blend made with scallions, thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers. The chicken is then grilled over charcoal until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Adobo is one of the most popular traditional dishes in the Philippines. It’s made with pork or chicken meat that’s marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. The meat is then simmered until it’s tender and flavorful.
India has a rich culinary history, and one of its most famous meat dishes is Butter Chicken. This dish is made with chicken that’s marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. Another popular dish is Biryani, which is a rice-based dish made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Italy is known for its delicious pasta dishes, but it also has some amazing meat-based dishes. One of the most famous is Osso Buco, which is made with veal shanks that are braised in a tomato-based sauce until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. Another popular dish is Bolognese sauce, which is a meat-based sauce that’s often served with pasta.
Meat is an essential part of many traditional dishes around the world, and each country has its unique way of preparing it. Whether you’re a foodie or just love trying new things, exploring traditional cuisine is a great way to learn about different cultures and their history. The Good Meat offers fresh meat products that you can use to recreate these traditional dishes in your own kitchen.
If you’re tired of the same old recipes and want to add some excitement to your meals, it’s time to start exploring new ways to cook your favorite dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, there are countless ways to experiment with flavors, techniques, and ingredients. You can try out new cooking methods like grilling, smoking, or sous vide, or experiment with different spices, herbs, and sauces to add some variety to your meals. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with your cooking – who knows, you might just discover your new favorite dish!
Buy meat online at The Good Meat and start exploring new ways to cook your favorite meals!
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and Filipinos really love to celebrate holidays and special occasions. The spirit of this festivity is not only seen in extravagant gatherings, but most importantly, this occasion is celebrated with good food. Get ready to impress your family and guests with a delicious Christmas dinner.
And you know what will complete and elevate your favorite dish? Fresh meat products together with The Good Meat, one of the country’s leading suppliers of fresh meat. We are here to help you make every meal extra special. The quality of your ingredients matters, for this will elevate every dish on your dinner table.
You can choose from a variety of options, including pork, chicken, beef, seafood, and fresh eggs.
Let us make your Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. Here are 10 mouthwatering ideas that will surely give you a meal to remember on Christmas Eve.
If you want to serve a classic main course, roasted pork with apple sauce is a must try. Roasted pork is well seasoned with spices of your choice or you can simply add garlic, dried rosemary, salt and pepper to enhance the natural taste of the fresh meat, olive oil, and you can also add a bit of white wine for additional flavor. Roasted pork is already good enough but you can elevate it just by adding applesauce that will definitely gives this dish a twist that you’ll surely love. The combination of tender meat and sweet sauce will please everyone at the table.
Level up your family’s favorite Roasted Chicken by adding herbs and aromatics that will make it succulent. All you have to do is prepare a good mixture of mixed herbs and spices and butter then brush it over your fresh chicken. The cooking process and the quality of the fresh meat itself is what will make it tender and juicy. This dish is also best paired with garlic-herb mashed potato on the side. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you want to take things up a notch, try making a Beef Wellington. This rich and elegant dish features beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry with mushroom duxelles. This dish is not just visually appealing, it also has an impeccable taste that will surely give everyone that luxurious dining experience.
For seafood lovers, seafood paella is a vibrant and flavorful option, made with fresh shrimp, mussels, clams, and fish. Fresh seafood is the key to having a delectable paella. The aromatic smell of saffron and spices from the rice is what will make this dish standout. If you really love paella, this is a must try dish during this special occasion.
For a festive twist on pork, stuffed pork tenderloin is the perfect dish. Stuff it with spinach, feta cheese, and dried cranberries for a burst of flavor. The presentation of this dish will blow your mind, but its taste itself will definitely raise your standards for food. Enjoy this succulent and delightful meat to truly make your holiday meal extravagant.
Grilled salmon is the best option for holiday meals if you want something lighter. The fish contains delicious and nutritious high-quality protein. For optimal results, get fresh salmon fillets; grilling them with lemon juice and herbs will enhance their flavor. Serve this dish to your loved ones and friends as a delicious and healthful option.
This Christmas, prepare the greatest pot roast possible. This delectable and savory dish will definitely surprise your taste buds. Here’s an easy way to make it. The beef is first browned, and then it is simmered in a delicious broth with mushrooms, onions, celery, carrots, and herbs. To complete your holiday feast, serve this over rice or mashed potatoes. Take pleasure in the perfectly cooked beef’s softness.
Try this recipe for garlic butter shrimp if you’re craving something rich. This recipe, which is sautéed with herbs, garlic, and butter, is ideal for fish lovers. Serve this dish with rice or pasta for a complete dinner. If you want to make it really special, you can even add some cheese. The dish will become much more tasty thanks to the garlic butter sauce.
And for a dish that will please the whole family, try some crispy, fried chicken tenders. Some recipes call for a delectable medley of seasonings and spices that will give your chicken tenders an outstanding flavor. To make a different dish every time, serve them with your preferred sauces or tastes. Everyone will adore these delectable fried chicken tenders, whether they’re slathered in honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or just plain ketchup.
Beef tenderloin with red wine sauce is a dish you should attempt if you’re looking for a mouth-watering, spectacular, and upscale main course to serve during the holiday season. You will be pleased by how good this recipe, which only requires a few ingredients, tastes. With a rich red wine sauce that gives the dish a good depth of flavor, the soft and juicy beef tenderloin is pan-fried. For an even better supper, serve it with roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes.
Have you ever imagined that you can turn fresh eggs into something that you can offer during a holiday? For a unique twist on Christmas morning breakfast, try our scrambled egg brunch skillet. With crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect start to your holiday festivities.
There are plenty of Christmas dinner ideas to choose from to make this occasion extra special. The Good Meat is your partner in creating these mouthwatering and succulent dishes that will leverage your dining experience this holiday. To ensure your food’s quality, order your holiday meats from The Good Meat for a memorable and hassle-free meal that your guests will love.
Are you tired of the same old meat recipes and looking for something new and exciting? Look no further than The Good Meat, your local source for fresh meat products. By choosing locally sourced meats, you not only support local businesses, but also reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing transportation emissions.
Before we dive into some delicious recipes, let’s talk about the difference between grain-fed and grass-fed beef. Grain-fed beef comes from cows that are fed a diet of primarily corn and soy, while grass-fed beef comes from cows that are allowed to graze on grass and other natural vegetation. Grass-fed beef is not only better for the environment, but it also has more nutrients and a richer flavor.
For a light and refreshing meal, try these Grass-fed Beef Lettuce Wraps. To prepare, brown some grass-fed ground beef in a pan with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Spoon the beef mixture onto lettuce leaves and top with chopped vegetables like carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili on a cold day. This Classic Grass-fed Beef Chili recipe is sure to please. To prepare, brown some grass-fed ground beef in a pot with onions, garlic, and chili powder. Add in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth and let simmer for an hour or two. Serve with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
For a fun twist on stuffed peppers, try this Grass-fed Beef Stuffed Peppers recipe. To prepare, mix together grass-fed ground beef with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and paprika. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake in the oven until tender. Top with shredded cheese before serving.
Who doesn’t love tacos? These Tex-Mex Grass-fed Ground Beef Tacos are a crowd-pleaser. To prepare, brown some grass-fed ground beef in a pan with taco seasoning. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
The Good Meat offers a variety of delicious and sustainable meat-based recipes that are easy to make. By choosing grass-fed meat products from The Good Meat, you not only get delicious meals but also support sustainable farming practices. Elevate your meals with high-quality meat products that are good for you and the environment. Visit The Good Meat today and get inspired to create your next culinary masterpiece!
Buy fresh meat products online and get more recipe inspiration from The Good Meat!
Meat has often been maligned as an unhealthy food, blamed for a range of health problems from heart disease to cancer. However, this is an oversimplification of a complex issue. While excessive consumption of processed and red meat can increase the risk of certain diseases, including cancer, fresh meat can still play an important role in a healthy diet.
In this post, we will explore the science behind meat’s nutritional value and discuss how home cooks and dietitians can ensure their clients consume meat in a healthy and sustainable way.
First and foremost, fresh meat is a rich source of many essential nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, while iron promotes healthy red blood cells. Zinc is vital for immune function, while vitamin B12 is necessary for nerve and brain health. Meat is also a highly bioavailable source of these nutrients, meaning the body can easily absorb and utilize them. While it is possible to obtain these nutrients from plant-based sources, meeting daily requirements can be challenging for some individuals.
However, not all meats are created equal, and it is important to choose high-quality sources. Processed meats, such as deli meats and hot dogs, have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal and stomach cancers. Red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb, has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is recommended to limit intake of these meats and choose leaner cuts whenever possible. Poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins, such as beans and lentils, are also excellent choices for obtaining essential nutrients without the negative health impact.
In sustainability, fresh meat consumption has a significant environmental impact, particularly through the emissions of greenhouse gases from the livestock sector. However, this does not mean that we must eliminate meat from our diets. Adopting a more environmentally friendly diet can mean choosing pasture-raised meats and supporting local farmers who use sustainable farming practices. Reducing frozen meat consumption in favor of plant-based meals a few times a week can also make a significant difference.
Lastly, home cooks and dietitians can ensure that fresh meat is prepared in a healthy way. Avoiding frying or char-grilling, which can create harmful compounds, and instead opting to bake, broil, or steam can reduce the risk of health problems. Choosing a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor, instead of relying on high-calorie sauces or condiments, can also promote a healthful meal. Pairing fresh or frozen meat with fiber-rich vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or a spinach salad, can also help balance the meal and provide all-important micronutrients.
Meat can play an important role in a healthy and balanced diet, provided it is consumed in moderation and prepared appropriately. Home cooks and dietitians can choose high-quality and sustainable sources of meat like The Good Meat, while also incorporating plant-based options to meet essential nutrient needs. By following these guidelines, we can continue to enjoy meat while also supporting our health and the environment.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor, garlic longganisa is the way to go. It’s an insanely popular Filipino dish, made with garlic-infused ground pork sausage that has been cooked on a griddle or skillet.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting out, these five garlic longganisa meals will bring some serious flavor to your day. Read on to find out how you can make them!
This classic Filipino dish will be a hit around the dinner table. All you need is some cooked longganisa, eggs, onion and garlic, white rice, and soy sauce. Begin by sautéing the longganisa until it’s crispy; then add in the onions and garlic before stirring in fresh eggs. Once everything is combined, add in your cooked white rice and mix it all together with soy sauce before serving. This delicious fried rice will become one of your go-to meals!
If you want a warm breakfast to start off your day right, try this flavorful hash recipe! Start by cooking some diced potatoes with salt and pepper until they’re golden brown; while they cook, dice up your longganisa into small pieces. Add the longganisa into the pan once it cooks through the potatoes and stir everything together until it’s combined. Serve this delicious hash as-is or top it off with an egg for extra protein.
Tortillas are one of those versatile ingredients that can be used for almost any meal – including this tasty entrée! Preheat the oven to 375°F before heating up some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers before adding in some cooked longganisa pieces; cook for about 5 minutes before removing from heat. Line 4 oven-safe bowls with tortillas (you may need toothpicks to secure them) and fill each bowl with equal parts of the veggie-longganisa mixture before baking for 15 minutes or until tortillas are crispy. Serve hot topped off with cheese if desired.
For something on the lighter side, try these flavorful quesadillas! Heat some oil over medium heat in a large skillet; add in diced onions and bell peppers along with cooked longganisa pieces – sauté everything together until they soften (about 5 minutes). Set aside while warming up two flour tortillas on another skillet over low heat; spread half of the veggie-longganisa mixture over one side of each tortilla and top off with cheese (if desired). Fold both sides together like an omelet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side before cutting into wedges for serving.
Ilocos is not just a region rich in culture and tourist spots, but also a place for good food. You can now enjoy Ilocos Empanada while you are inside the comforts of your home. This famous dish from the beautiful region of Ilocos is made with rice flour, shredded green papaya, mung beans, longganisa, and a whole egg. This go-to food is packed with goodness, rich in taste, and bursts with flavors in every bite.
Garlic Longganisa is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can create many delicious dishes. From fried rice bowls to quesadillas, there are plenty of ways you can use this flavorful pork sausage to create amazing meals without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Give these five garlic longganisa recipes a try today – they will pump up any mealtime routine!
Filipinos love celebrating occasions from the smallest to the largest of reasons. From anniversaries and graduations to holidays and fiestas, Filipino families ensure that tables are filled with a delicious and abundant variety of hearty dishes, fresh fruits, and colorful drinks.
We celebrate with music while dancing in our beautifully decorated homes and, sometimes, we even bring out our cultural costumes or the pieces of clothing passed on to us by our ancestors. Every major celebration is a family affair and that’s why we make sure to prepare weeks or even months before.
Food brings life and flavor to celebrations and varies depending on the occasion. Here in the Philippines, we take birthdays seriously! It’s often a chance for our families to reunite.
Saucy spaghetti paired with deep-fried chicken brings smiles to children attending birthday parties. Pancit with slices of pork and vegetable toppings is prepared as a sign of wishing our beloved birthday celebrants a long and bountiful life.
From late November to early December, the smell of puto bumbong and bibingka marks the start of cold Christmas nights for us Filipinos. Pork baby back ribs and barbequed beef briskets, paella, fruit salad, lechon kawali, Celebration Ham, queso de bola, and so many more special dishes fill every Filipino household and complete each family’s Christmas Eve.
We celebrate the New Year with the utmost effort by serving different kinds of food to go with the colorful fireworks that fill our night skies.
Families and loved ones gather to celebrate and wish a prosperous new year at a lavish media Noche. Round-shaped fruits are present alongside Filipino rice cakes or kakanin, biko and tikoy, which symbolize family bonds.
We also prefer different pork and beef dishes to wish prosperity for the upcoming year.
Whether passing an exam, graduating, or receiving a promotion, every achievement of our loved ones is celebrated with joyous gatherings packed with richly flavored food.
Adobo and menudo from freshly cut pork and beef brisket are present in the course along with other Filipino foods, such as bopis, longganisa, embutido, and barbeques. We even follow other countries’ famous viands like jokbal from braised pig trotters, pork and beef samgyeopsal, pork tonkatsu, and other foreign food dishes.
Every Filipino family celebrates holidays and achievements with bountiful and delicious food. The secret to making these feasts truly special lies in sourcing high-quality ingredients—it’s the heart and highlight of every gathering.
Finding premium, fresh meat is essential, as it elevates each dish and brings everyone together in joy and gratitude.
So, why not make your family table even more special? Visit The Good Meat Fresh Hub for the finest meats that will make your celebrations unforgettable!
References:
This Resto-bar Brings Germany’s Oktoberfest Tradition to the Philippines. September 25, 2022. GMA News Online. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
11 Best Festivals to Join in the Philippines. 2022, July 5. Guide to the Philippines. Retrieved August 31, 2022
Traditional Filipino Christmas Foods for the Holidays. December 7, 2021. Instacart. Retrieved August 31, 2022
8 Culinary Traditions on the Philippine New Year’s Eve. December 29, 2021. Camella. Retrieved August 31, 2022
Eggs are a main staple in Pinoy meals. What is a Pinoy breakfast without eggs? A typical Pinoy breakfast is a Silog (sinangag at itlog) meal, which is not only prepared in households but also offered in restaurants and specific silog-type kiosks.
Even our favorite dessert, Leche flan, is egg-based. Eggs are versatile—they can be cooked in many ways on their own, as an ingredient for other main dishes, baked products, or even desserts.
The most important fact about eggs is that they are among the most nutritious and incredibly cheap foods. Eggs contain vitamins (B12, B2, A, B5, and many more) and essential minerals (selenium, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, vitamin E, folate, and many more) for our health and nutrition.
Eggs, like meat and poultry, are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Most of the eggs’ nutrients are found in the yolks, while the whites have mostly protein. Eggs are very much accessible to most Pinoy households.
With all the benefits of eggs in our diet, nutrition, and health, we must know how to buy them, store them safely, and prepare them. You can purchase eggs in several places, such as the supermarket, wet market, or even a farmer’s market. Just make sure to buy from reputable stores or owners to ensure that you have the freshest eggs available.
Eggs are perishable food items, and their freshness matters. They can be stored at room temperature for 1-3 weeks if needed. However, after one week, the quality of the eggs will start to decline. If bought fresh and refrigerated, it can be stored in its original carton for up to 21 days in the fridge.
It is recommended to keep them in the main compartment rather than in the fridge door to prevent abrupt temperature changes when opening the refrigerator. There is no need to wash the eggs before storage, as this will remove the natural protective covering of the eggs.
Eggs can be used in many different food preparations. There are various ways to prepare eggs as a dish at home. Eggs can be cooked and served by cooking while in the shell (soft, boiled, and hard-cooked eggs), poaching, frying, and scrambling.
Overcooking eggs is undesirable as it makes the egg white gummy in texture or can result in a greenish tinge in hard-cooked eggs. To avoid overcooking hard-boiled eggs, directly put the cooked eggs in cold water or running water after boiling to stop the cooking process and make the peeling easier. Consume hard-cooked eggs within one week after cooking. Never leave cooked eggs or egg dishes at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can contaminate the food.
Given all the functions and benefits, we can conclude that eggs play a significant role in our diet and food habits. Eggs are a very versatile and nutritious food source. Ensuring that we have access to the safest and freshest eggs will guarantee that we get all the benefits eggs can offer.
References:
What You Need to Know About Egg Safety. May 10, 2022. US Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved August 8, 2022
6 Reasons Why Eggs Are the Healthiest Food on the Planet. April 26, 2018. Healthline. Retrieved August 8, 2022
How Long Do Eggs Last Before Going Bad. September 13, 2017. Healthline. Retrieved August 8, 2022
Everybody wants to be healthy. The famous “health is wealth” adage is more meaningful now than ever.
Nutrition is the foundation of health, and we will never be healthy if we receive poor nutrition. To most of us, nutrition is equivalent to the food we consume. Nutrition is how our bodies use the food we eat for sustenance, growth, and development.
We learn from our younger years that food can be grouped into three categories – GO, GROW, and GLOW foods. These three play a major role in our diet, nutrition, and health.
GO foods contain carbohydrates and fats that provide energy for our bodies. Examples of these are rice, bread, and root crops.
GLOW foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are high in vitamins and minerals.
GROW foods, on the other hand, are protein-rich foods that are responsible for bone and muscle health. Our primary source of protein is meat, but poultry, dairy products, fish, and eggs are also considered protein-rich foods.
Meat is a well-favored source of protein in the Filipino diet. Pork and beef (red meat) or chicken (white meat) can be purchased in local markets. We have a lot of varied recipes for our meats.
Good meat is high in amino acids, vitamins such as vitamin A that stimulates the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting body infections and B vitamins that break down complex carbohydrates, and minerals like iron and selenium. Iron is needed by our body to make hemoglobin and myoglobin while selenium helps protect against cell damage and infections. These are just some of the many benefits of protein in our diet. Thus, cooking your favorite pork adobo recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also provides your body with its needed nutrients.
Meat is critical in children’s diets while they are in their growing stage, while the elderly need an adequate intake of protein and calcium to maintain good muscle mass and bone health.
Protein-rich foods are essential at every stage of our lives and need to be included in our diet. When shopping for your homemade meals, don’t forget to shop for quality produce and fresh meat. A well-balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for good nutrition and health.
References:
Food Nutrition for Elderly: Go, Glow and Grow. Expectation Care. Retrieved July 5, 2022 from Food Nutrition for Elderly: Go, Glow and Grow – Expectationcare.co.uk
Vitamin A. The Nutrition Source. Retrieved July 5, 2022, from Vitamin A | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Iron: Fact Sheet for Consumers. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved July 5, 2022 from Iron – Consumer (nih.gov)
What is the Role of Meat in a Healthy Diet? July 7, 2018. Animal Frontiers. Retrieved July 5, 2022 from What is the role of meat in a healthy diet? | Animal Frontiers | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
It is not a secret that we Pinoys love our meat. Most, if not all, restaurants in our country offer a variety of pork dishes. Some of the favorite pork dishes of Pinoys are Lechon, Sisig, and Pork Barbeque.
Let’s take a deeper look at why meat is so loved by Filipinos.
The Philippines is the 10th largest consumer, 8th largest producer, and 7th largest importer of pork worldwide. Pinoys consume around 25 kilograms of meat yearly, including 15 kgs of pork.
Next to pork, the average Filipino consumes about 11.6 kg of chicken and 3 kg of beef or veal. To add, unlimited grilled pork restaurants are mushrooming around the country. Understandably, each Pinoy has their own pork recipe to boot. Given this scenario, the swine industry is one of the most lucrative businesses.
Lechon, a spit-roasted whole pig, is a traditional centerpiece during Christmas in the Philippines. In special events like fiestas and weddings, a Filipino family will use a whole pig for different pork dishes. The preparation will start one to two days before the gathering and serve as a venue for family, relatives, and friends to get together. They will prepare and cook the dishes together and then serve them at the event themselves.
Historically, meats are of ritualistic importance. Long before the country was called the Philippines, pork was already a well-favored food source. Pigs are known to be indigenous in our country. The word “baboy” in Tagalog resembles Indonesian and Malaysian names for pork such as “babi” and “bawi” respectively. This proves that pork is a pre-colonial food source in Southeast Asian countries.
However, Spain also played an important role in our deep-rooted love for meat. When Spain conquered the country, they carried a sword, a cross, and a jamon. Fernando Zialcita, an anthropologist, stated that the pork consumption pattern is the same with Austronesians, the Philippines, and Hawaii and our love for pork has been with us from the beginning rather than influenced directly by colonizers. Truly, our love for pork is rooted in our ancestors and passed from generation to generation.
The Filipino’s love for pork will remain because of the meat’s versatility as a preferred dish for nearly every memorable event with friends and family. Because of this, it is essential to find a good source of juicy, tender pork with the ideal meat-to-fat ratio when serving home-cooked dishes to our loved ones. This is a meal that they will surely love.
References:
Pork Remains the Favorite in the Philippines. January 3, 2020. The Pig Site. Retrieved June 7, 2022 from https://www.thepigsite.com/articles/pork-remains-the-favourite-in-the-philippines
How Much Meat Does the Filipino Consume? April 14, 2017. Rappler. Retrieved June 7, 2022 from https://www.rappler.com/business/166870-fast-facts-meat-chicken-pork-filipino-consumption/
Meat will always be part of every Filipino’s family meal. To ensure our family and loved ones get the best meal on their plates, a reliable and good supplier of fresh produce, especially meats, must be your top priority.
Fresh meats can be bought from the wet market, local grocery, or meat stores, but due to the pandemic, these can now be conveniently bought online and directly delivered to the safety of our homes.
It is practical to buy meat based on your household needs and storage areas such as refrigerator and freezer availability and capacity. Living in a tropical country, fresh meat is highly perishable if left out for too long in the heat. This needs to be stored properly to maintain its freshness, keep it safe from bacteria growth, and prevent unnecessary spoilage.
When the meat reaches our houses, we either cook it directly or store it in the refrigerator if it’s going to be cooked soon. If the meat will not be used immediately, it is recommended to freeze the meat right away to extend its shelf life. This is one of the best ways to preserve its freshness, but we need to do it properly.
It is advisable to wash them using running water to remove physical impurities and to cut the meat based on the recipes in mind. Portion the meats and pack them in separate containers based on the recipe and cooking schedule. This will prevent thawing a large amount of meat and refreezing some parts, which can cause spoilage or bacteria to grow.
Not sure whether to keep your meats in the refrigerator or the freezer? A good rule of thumb is that your freezer is ideal for longer storage. As for your refrigerator, you can set down your meats here if you intend to cook them immediately after buying them. This is also where you will place your meats when you need to defrost or thaw them overnight so that they’re ready to cook the next day.
Refrigerator and Freezer? Check. Clean Meat? Check. Now, where can you store them? You can use foil, plastic wrap, and airtight containers to store frozen meat. Airtight containers prevent freezer burn, which is when meat develops white, dried-out patches as air comes into contact with the meat surface. Freezer burn is a condition we don’t want our meat to be in; it means drying or loss of moisture and palatability of the meat.
Once it’s clean and properly packed, you can now freeze your meat. Remember not to overload the freezer and the refrigerator, as cool air cannot flow properly, and uniform cooling will not be achieved.
Keep in mind that you can generally freeze meats for up to 4 months or even more, but this will all depend on what type of meat you will store. However, to stay on the safe side, one thing every meat lover should practice is to always look at the expiration dates or sell-by dates listed on the pack.
Practicing proper storage and freezing of meat keeps it safe for family consumption. This gives you the confidence to prepare safe and quality dishes for your loved ones.
Reference:
Tools and Tips for Freezing Food so Nothing Goes to Waste. May 6, 2020. WireCutter. New York Times. Retrieved May 19, 2022
Summer is finally here! We Filipinos beat the heat by hitting the beach or going on a summer outing like having a picnic in a park or a place with a beautiful view. Summer is always an excellent opportunity to go out with your family and friends and bond over good food.
Proper planning makes this memorable experience pleasant for everyone. Scout the best location that can accommodate you and your family, and even your pets if you are planning to bring them. Make necessary arrangements beforehand and inquire about the availability of materials or equipment that you need to have the best summer cookout.
Now comes the fun part—planning the menu. Think first of the main dishes, then of the other food items such as seasonal fruits, desserts, chips, sandwiches, salads, and drinks. At a cookout, meat is essential in every Filipino’s table, so make sure you only get the freshest and the best of quality available in the market.
Grilled and barbecued meats are a must in every summer cookout. It’s easy finger food to cook and eat, and its charred and smokey flavors always takes us back to our fond childhood memories. Don’t forget to include that sweet and savory chicken and pork barbecue on your list!
You can marinate the pork and chicken beforehand to get maximum flavor. Whether the marinade is homemade or store-bought, you surely can’t go wrong with this as your main dish. It’s sure to please everyone in the group, from young to old.
As with any Filipino gathering, carbohydrates is an essential part of the meal. Apart from the classic, heaping, warm bowl of rice, try adding grilled sweetcorn and potatoes as these also go well with barbecued meat too. Blanch the sweetcorn at home, and wrap the sliced potatoes in tin foil. Grill them together with the meat to reduce the cooking time. Slather on some butter and additional toppings for more flavor.
Cookouts are a lot of fun, but can also be a lot of work! To lighten the load, you can carry along with you some pre-made side dishes that retain their texture and quality at room temperature and don’t spoil easily. Bringing fruits that are in season are also a good side dish or dessert to the meal. Pack them using easy-to-handle and transport food containers. Lastly, don’t forget to stay hydrated, and stay cool with your drinks! You can opt to bring a cooler to store the meats, beverages, fruits, and other foods that are ready to cook or serve.
It will also be handy to bring the necessary utensils and other materials like disposable plates, utensils, and trash bags for the clean up. Lastly, delegate the tasks among the members of the family to make everything easier.
Don’t forget to list what to prepare before going on that exciting trip and cookout! Remember that food, drinks, and especially fresh and quality meats are part of what will make your trip exciting and unforgettable.
References:
10 Tips for a Fantastic Family Cookout. All Things Mamma. June 18, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2022
How to Prep for a Cookout when the Barbecue is far from your Backyard. July 23, 2019. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved April 1, 2022
How to Host the Ultimate Outdoor Family Cookout. May 22, 2017. Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. Retrieved April 1, 2022
Preparing and eating meals at home for the whole family creates a bonding opportunity. It ensures that each family member consumes healthy meals and that each dish is served with love–from meticulously choosing the meat down to the ingredients used. Because meals are prepared at home, you can ensure that these are made healthier, and tastier to meet the family’s taste palate.
Family members that need to follow restricted or special diets can also benefit from home-prepared meals. To ensure that meals are nutritious and healthy, it is essential to include the primary food groups: carbohydrates, for a source of energy, protein for strong muscles, and of course some fruits and greens for our vitamins and minerals. Examples of energy-rich foods are rice, bread, pasta, and root crops, while good protein sources are pork, beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and shellfish. Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals.
Excellent meal preparation starts with good meal planning. Usually, meal plans are done weekly. Planning saves time, money, and stress as you know what to prepare daily. Because rice is a staple in a typical Filipino diet, make sure your pantry is well-stocked. If you are looking for a healthier rice option, you can incorporate whole grains into your diet, such as brown rice or pigmented rice, into your meal. Do not forget to adjust the water to rice ratio and refer to the packaging when cooking this nutritious rice. You can also prepare root crops such as sweet potatoes, cassava, or potatoes as snacks for the kids. Steamed or air-fried root crops are an excellent addition to the healthy snacks the whole family can enjoy.
A protein-rich food is an essential part of the meal. Pork, beef, chicken, eggs, and fish provide protein to the human body for growth and development. Protein is vital in all stages of life, from children to older family members. Buy meat from your trusted supplier to ensure freshness and quality. Remember to buy meat parts that best match the recipe you plan to cook for your family.
For a whole week’s meat supply, portion them before storing them in the freezer. If you have kids at home, prepare the meat in bite-size pieces. You can use any cooking method that your family loves for meat preparation.
Include fruits and vegetables in each meal as much as possible; whether it’s an appetizer, side dish, with a meat dish, or dessert, there are countless ways to incorporate these healthy additions into your meal. Serve seasonal fruits and vegetables as they are cheaper and have high nutritional value.
Meal preparation for the family takes time and effort but it need not be stressful and could be fun as long as you have a good meal plan made with fresh and quality ingredients in place.
References:
Planning Meals for a Family. April 20, 2020. Home and Garden Information Center. Retrieved March 7, 2022
Is Brown Rice Good For You? May 23, 2018. Healthline. Retrieved March 7, 2022
Noche Buena has been one of the most significant celebrations globally, especially for Filipinos. Filipino families gather to celebrate Christ’s birth with their favorite dishes.
Noche Buena, which means “the Good Night” in Spanish, refers to Christmas Eve or the 24th of December celebrated every year.
It all started in the 16th century when the Spanish friars required churchgoers to practice fasting until Christmas morning. Since the natives feel hungry coming from the Christmas midnight mass (the first liturgy of Christmastide), they gather for a nocturnal feast before bed.
Here are five delicious dishes that you can add to your Noche Buena feast.
Traditionally known as Yule Ham, Christmas Ham’s history was adopted from other winter celebrations. It started when Germanic pagans considered Ham as part of their Yuletide celebrations, a ceremony honoring the mythical Wild Hunt along with praying for fertility, harvest and good weather.
As Christianity spreads worldwide, Christmas trees, including Christmas Hams also influence us.
Today, Noche Buena wouldn’t be complete without Christmas Ham as the centerpiece. It is one of the classic dishes symbolizing festivity, thanksgiving, and warmth.
While you can serve the Christmas Ham straight to your table, you can also explore unique twists to feed your family and wow your holiday guests! Try Root Beer Glazed Ham, Ham and Cheese Frittata, Slow Cooker Ham, or Elevated Baked Ham.
Check out our premium Christmas ham and infuse a touch of gourmet delight into your festive celebrations.
Source: Yummy.ph
Indulge the whole family with the mouthwatering deep-fried pork knuckles, Crispy Pata.
This culinary wonder was invented by Rodolfo Ongpauco, the son of the Barrio Fiesta owner in Caloocan back in the 1950s when he tried to deep fry discarded pork legs.
Since then, Filipino families have included this dish during Noche Buena, especially those who don’t have access to Lechon. This is beyond a great alternative!
There’s no other key reason why Filipino families fell in love with Crispy Pata than its extraordinary taste – golden brown and nice crisp texture on the outside, tender meat on the inside, and the savory taste of combined seasoning (bay leaves, garlic, salt, and star anise).
Source: Yummy.ph
Embutido is another Christmas favorite with Spanish origins. While they refer to it as cured sausages, Filipino Embutido is not cured at all. It is a local version of meatloaf using ground pork with onion, bell pepper, carrots, hard-boiled egg, and raisins. Special recipes include longganisa, cheese or ham as well.
Embutido, also a classic Filipino comfort food, is wrapped in foil, and you can either fry or steam it before eating.
To keep the table more appetizing, nutritious and bright, put some greens on Embutido as side dishes and place them between pure meat dishes such as Crispy Pata, Christmas Ham, or Lechon.
Source: WhatToEat.ph
Noche Buena wouldn’t be the same without red meat on our plate, so cheers to this timeless Filipino stew, Beef Caldereta.
Caldereta came from the Spanish word “caldera”, which means cauldron or a metal pot with a lid and handle used to cook in an open fire. It consists of chuck beef (with a nice amount of fat), beef brisket, ribs, shanks, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes. If you have a robust palate for spice, you can also add chillies.
There’s no other way to make your Noche Buena even warmer than having this comforting food.
Unarguably, Lumpiang Shanghai is everyone’s favorite party food from typical dining setups, weddings, fiestas, and of course, during Noche Buena.
In fact, Lumpiang Shanghai was named the best Filipino Food according to TasteAtlas, the global map of local dishes and flavors.
Lumpiang Shanghai is a perfect appetizer to set in your Noche Buena main dishes with its crispy exterior and tasty filling. Hence, you can make this as your snack, too – a perfect pair with red wine, a cocktail, or even an ice-cold glass of soda.
Hallowed not only by Christian tradition alone but also by life’s existence, Noche Buena is a meaningful meal and should be celebrated in any way with loved ones.
To keep your meat dishes sumptuous, delectable and worth remembering, always consider fresh and high-quality meat from your trusted meat shop in the Philippines.
The Philippines is a meat-loving country.
In fact, 2020 statistics showed that every Filipino consumed an average of 13.74 kilograms of meat poultry. Fitch Solutions, a think tank, also mentioned that Filipinos are likely to spend more than ⅓ of the household budget to buy more meat and poultry products while cutting back on rice consumption by 2025.
With these numbers, meat dishes will undoubtedly reign over our tables in decades!
To receive high-quality meat, supporting local producers is a huge factor. Below are the reasons why.
Knowing where your meat comes from and how it was raised leads to a safer and healthier lifestyle. You’ll be familiar with your local farmers and their practices to ensure that livestock is free from preservatives, chemicals, added hormones, and antibiotics.
When livestock is free from unhealthy diets, they do not produce too much fat. Instead, they form beautiful marbling — white flecks of fat between meat muscles, attributing to its tenderness, juiciness, and great flavor.
When you purchase local meat, you save shipping costs whether it comes across or from other countries. You also avoid a series of retailers or wholesalers from its source thus, giving you the best price.
Aside from that, local meat stores are primarily available within your community and online. Walk around and pick your favorite cuts or order through mobile, and they’ll deliver it straight to your doorstep.
Once you buy from local meat stores, you boost the business of our local farmers. You are helping them grow their profit and expand their business — improve their processes, invest in equipment/ facilities, and build skills to deliver premium meat.
Supporting local farmers also creates opportunities/ local jobs such as the farmers themselves, logistics who bring goods to the market, and teams who set up stalls and sell the products.
With higher meat demand, we establish a greener future for farming. Farming and relevant jobs will bloom, and younger generations will continuously explore this field. This phenomenon can also foster food security in the country – nutritious, sustainable, affordable, and accessible meat produce.
Purchasing local meat has an enormous impact on our environment.
It reduces food miles or the distance food travels before reaching your local market. Meat doesn’t need long truck trips or travel via planes. There’s no need for substantial storage facilities or refrigerators before reaching your plate. Thus, decreasing energy usage and carbon footprints.
Generally, we massively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions if we buy local meat produce.
Local meat suppliers have plenty of benefits to our community.
If you’re looking for a local meat shop in Metro Manila, meet The Good Meat. The Good Meat is a local online meat shop offering pre-packed fresh meat cuts such as pork, chicken, and beef.
The Good Meat products came from local farmers to preserve their natural properties and provide the high-quality meat you deserve.
Visit our online store to know more about our products.
