Easy-to-prepare alamang recipes from ‘Good News’

Published November 29, 2012 8:12pm

Shrimp paste, locally known as alamang, is one of the most popular ingredients in Asian cooking. The Chinese call it “lin xa.” They believe that it is healthful complement to their everyday meals. In Japan, it is called “okiami” and used as a dip in a wide variety of dishes. Even Koreans, who call it “ku ril,” love its unique flavor. Alamang is made from fermented crustaceans, like shrimps, which are rich in protein and amino acids. It is salty and also has a distinctive smell. Here in the Philippines, alamang is often partnered with green mangoes or kare-kare. But did you know that more than a simple condiment, alamang can also be used as the main ingredient in a number of delicious, easy-to-prepare, and healthy meals? In a recent episode of “Good News,” Chef Romy Salazar shared a few recipes that showcase the unique flavor of alamang: Steamed Alamang Stuffed Tofu Ingredients: Mushroom Salt and pepper Sugar Cornstarch Cooking oil Soy Sauce Eggs, beaten Tofu Onions, chopped Chili pepper Oyster sauce Water Alamang Cost: P70 Directions: Cut a block of tofu into three rectangular strips and steam for two to three minutes. In another pan, lightly fry the onions and alamang in oil. Add the sugar, cornstarch, mushrooms, and eggs. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, then set aside. To make the sauce, you may use the same pan where you sauteed the stuffing. Add more cooking oil, onions, salt, pepper, chili pepper and oyster sauce. Then, add a little water and cornstarch. After everything is cooked, top the steamed tofu with a few layers of stuffing and drizzle with sauce. Serve. Alamang Labong Egg Rolls Ingredients: Egg white Soda Mushroom Green bell pepper Bamboo shoots, boiled Cabbage, cut into strips then boiled Sugar Soy Sauce Pepper Lumpia wrapper Cooking oil Alamang Cost: P65 Directions: Put some cooking oil and alamang in a hot pan. Add the bamboo shoots, cabbage, mushrooms and bell pepper. In a separate container, combine soda with salt and egg white. Mix the cooked alamang and vegetables with the soda mixture and roll inside lumpia wrappers. You can refrigerate the lumpia rolls, or fry them until golden brown. Alamang Embutido Carrots, chopped Red bell pepper, chopped Onions, chopped Raisins Flour Eggs Cheese Alamang Cost: P60 Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and then cover with aluminum foil. Make sure that the bowl is firmly sealed with foil before placing it inside a steamer. After 30 minutes, the alamang embutido is ready to be served. —Rica Fernandez/PF, GMA News "Good News" airs every Sunday night at 7:55 PM on GMA News TV 11. Follow the program on Facebook and Twitter for more updates about their episodes.

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