How to Make Bilo Bilo: A Delicious Filipino Rice Dish
Bilo bilo, also known as “Bilog Bilog,” is a popular Filipino rice dish that combines fluffy rice balls with savory meat and vegetables. This comforting meal is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making bilo bilo, ensuring that you can enjoy this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients:
To make bilo bilo, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of long-grain rice
– 2 cups of water
– 1/2 cup of pork belly, diced
– 1/2 cup of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
– 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
– 1/2 cup of cabbage, shredded
– 1/2 cup of onion, chopped
– 1/2 cup of tomato, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon of fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice balls.
2. In a pot, bring the rice and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
3. While the rice is cooking, prepare the filling. In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced pork belly and cook until it’s browned and crispy. Remove the pork belly from the pan and set it aside.
4. In the same pan, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside with the pork belly.
5. In the same pan, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
6. Add the diced carrots, green beans, and cabbage to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the cooked pork belly and shrimp back to the pan. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Cook for another minute to combine all the flavors.
8. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.
9. In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to form small, golf ball-sized rice balls.
10. Heat some vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Gently fry the rice balls until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the rice balls to stick together.
11. Drain the fried rice balls on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
12. Serve the bilo bilo hot, with a side of ketchup or mayonnaise for dipping.
Now that you know how to make bilo bilo, you can enjoy this delicious Filipino rice dish at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
