Delicious and Traditional Filipino Sinugaok Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of glutinous rice
  • 6 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of shredded chicken
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup of sliced green onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and cook until it is warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the rice and add it to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and mix in the onion, garlic, and chicken.
  5. Add the chicken broth, fish sauce, and 4 cups of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the rice for about 20 minutes, or until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of water and cook for additional 15 minutes, or until the rice has the consistency of a thick soup.
  8. Season the sinugaok with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Transfer the sinugaok to serving bowls and sprinkle with green onions. Serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to cook the sinugaok and hold all the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Cups for accurately measuring the glutinous rice and water.
  • Measuring spoons - Spoons for precise measurement of the oil, fish sauce, and other seasonings.
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Ladle - A ladle for serving the sinugaok.

Recipe variations

  • Replace glutinous rice with jasmine rice or another type of rice for a different texture.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
  • Try using other proteins like shrimp, pork, or beef instead of chicken.
  • Add spices like turmeric, curry powder, or chili flakes to give the sinugaok a unique twist.
  • Top the sinugaok with crispy fried onions or chopped peanuts for added crunch.
  • For a healthier option, steam the rice instead of boiling it.
  • Make it spicy by adding hot sauce or chili paste to the broth.
  • Experiment with different herbs and garnishes like cilantro or basil.
  • Add coconut milk to the broth for a creamy and rich flavor.

Recipe overview

Sinugaok is a delicious and comforting Filipino rice soup that's perfect for chilly days or when you're in need of a hearty meal. Made with glutinous rice, shredded chicken, chicken broth, and accented with the flavors of onion, garlic, and fish sauce, this soup is a wonderful blend of savory, salty, and fulfilling textures. Its warm broth is soothing and the sticky rice adds a delightful chewiness that makes this dish a satisfying meal. Topped with fresh green onions for a burst of color and freshness, Sinugaok is both easy to make and versatile enough for lunch or dinner. Whether you're new to Filipino cuisine or a seasoned pro, you'll find this simple, homey dish a welcome addition to your cooking repertoire.

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice? No, glutinous rice is essential for this recipe as it gives sinugaok its unique texture and consistency.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of sinugaok.
  3. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Certainly! You can replace the chicken with pork, beef, or shrimp according to your preference.
  4. Can I omit the fish sauce? While fish sauce adds a distinct flavor to sinugaok, you can omit it if you have dietary restrictions or prefer not to use it. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  5. Can I garnish sinugaok with other ingredients? Absolutely! Besides green onions, you can garnish sinugaok with chopped cilantro, fried garlic, or even chili flakes for added flavor and presentation.
  6. Can I make sinugaok in advance? Sinugaok is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when needed. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Sinugaok, a staple food in the Philippines, particularly in Bulacan and nearby provinces, has a reputation as the ultimate comfort food and is often the go-to dish for those feeling under the weather. Interestingly, this hearty chicken and rice porridge is also considered a potent hangover remedy due to its nourishing and rehydrating properties. As such, it is not uncommon to find sinugaok being served after late-night festivities, much to the relief of party-goers who overindulged the night before. This humble dish, with its restorative qualities and simple, comforting flavors, continues to play a vital role in Filipino culinary culture, making it a true testament to the power of food in bringing people together and lifting spirits.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.