Ginataang Labong (Ginat-an nga Tambô)
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Ingredients

  • 500 g fresh labong or tambô (bamboo shoots), peeled, trimmed, and thinly sliced
  • Water, enough for boiling the bamboo shoots
  • 500 ml fresh water, plus more as needed
  • 2–3 pieces tuyo (dried salted fish)
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced (about 20 g)
  • 100 g okra, sliced
  • 50 g saluyot leaves, tough stems removed
  • 400 ml coconut cream or kakang gata
  • Salt, to taste

How to Make It

  1. Rinse the peeled, trimmed, and thinly sliced bamboo shoots.
  2. Place in a pot with plenty of water, bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes.
  3. Drain thoroughly and discard the cooking water.
  4. Return the bamboo shoots to the pot and add the fresh water.
  5. Add the tuyo and garlic, then bring to a simmer.
  6. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the dried fish to flavor the broth.
  7. Carefully remove the tuyo, take out the heads and bones, and return the edible fish to the pot.
  8. Add the saluyot and okra, then simmer until the vegetables are tender.
  9. Pour in the coconut cream and stir gently.
  10. Simmer over low heat for another 3–5 minutes, until everything is heated through.
  11. Taste before adding salt, since the tuyo already contributes saltiness.
  12. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Kubo Tips
  • For fresh bamboo shoots, keep the initial boiling step separate and discard that cooking water before making the broth.
  • If using canned bamboo shoots, drain and rinse them, then follow the package directions instead of treating them as raw shoots.
  • Check the tuyo carefully for small bones before returning the fish to the pot.
  • Add salt only after tasting the broth because the saltiness of tuyo varies.
  • Keep the heat gentle after adding the coconut cream for a smoother broth.