Pigar pigar is a popular street food dish in Dagupan city. It is usually made with slices of carabao meat seasoned with salt and pepper. The way of cooking this popular dish might be taboo for others since it is deep fried for a few minutes then the cabbage and onions are also a deep fried. Way too much oil for the health conscious but since its a traditional dish and quite popular in that city so it does not matter too much. The meat is also mixed with liver sometimes.
Flavorful and Delightfully Crispy
Exploring local street food is an exciting culinary journey. One delightful treat is the Pigar Pigar, a beloved dish from Dagupan City’s vibrant streets. This dish comprises thin slices of tender carabao meat, cabbage, and onions, skillfully seasoned and cooked using a unique method. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through crafting the flavorful Pigar Pigar in your own kitchen, allowing you to savor this tantalizing delight.
Origin of Pigar Pigar
Pigar pigar is a Pangasinan word which means “turning over”. It was actually derived from the process on how this dish was cooked, which is the constant turning over of meat while quickly deep-frying. Since carabao meat is not readily available in most parts of the country, beef is a good substitute for cooking this dish which is also used in this recipe.
A Tasty Twist on an Old Favorite
Though carabao meat is tricky to find in many regions, no worries! Beef makes an amazing substitute for recreating Pigar Pigar’s classic flavor. When tender beef slices mingle with just the right seasonings, it creates an explosion of tastes that honors the dish’s heritage.
Master Pigar Pigar: Simple Step-by-Step
Time to get cooking! Let’s craft a plate of Pigar Pigar that’ll wow your taste buds and leave you longing for seconds.
Savory Beef Cuts:
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips. This crucial step ensures even cooking and prevents a chewy texture. The bite-sized pieces will make each mouthful a delightful experience.
Cabbage Cubes Add Crunch:
Pigar Pigar wouldn’t be complete without cubed cabbage. These crisp squares provide a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
Flavor-Infused Marinade:
Place the beef strips in a bowl. Generously season with a blend of magic sarap, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Toss until each piece is evenly coated. Let the meat marinate for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
The Art of Frying:
Properly heat up cooking oil in a frying pan. Once it reaches the ideal temperature, cautiously add the marinated beef slices. Fry them for around 5 minutes, stirring continuously. This ensures a delightfully crispy texture.
Adding the Veggies:
When the beef achieves a golden-brown perfection, incorporate the cabbage and onions. Sauté these vibrant vegetables with the meat for about a minute, blending them thoroughly.
The Finishing Touches:
As tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen, it’s time for the final preparation. Carefully remove the flavorful ensemble from the pan using a strainer, allowing excess oil to drain away. Gently pressing with a spatula can help speed up the draining process.
Presentation Matters:
Place a plate over the strainer and smoothly flip it, transferring the Pigar Pigar onto the serving dish. The visually appealing result is a tempting creation that almost seems too delightful to enjoy.
The Culinary Finale:
Pigar Pigar tastes best when served sizzling hot. Accompany it with a mound of steamed rice. The tender beef, crisp cabbage, and flavorful onions create a delightful combination. Savor the delicious harmony of textures and flavors.
Pigar Pigar transcends being just a dish. It’s a gastronomic odyssey through Dagupan City’s vibrant streets. With its distinctive cooking method, vibrant ingredients, and unforgettable taste, this street food gem deserves a spot on your culinary bucket list. Gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and embark on your Pigar Pigar cooking adventure. Your taste buds will thank you as tantalizing aromas fill your kitchen, transporting you to this regional delight’s homeland.
How to Cook Pigar Pigar
Ingredients
- 1/2 kilo sirloin beef or carabeef (sliced thinly)
- 2 pcs medium white onions sliced
- 2 cups cabbage cubed
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 1/4 tsp magic sarap
- 1 tsp iodized salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups cooking oil for deep frying
Instructions
How to Cook Pigar Pigar
- Slice the beef as thinly as possible in bite size pieces. This way you can be sure that the beef will not ne chewy when cooked.
- Slice the cabbage in cubes or squares.
- Put the beef in the bowl and add magic sarap, soy sauce, salt and black pepper. Mix to coat the meat with the seasoning. Let is stand for an hour.
- Heat cooking oil in a frying pan and deep fry the marinated beef for 5 minutes. Stir the meat continuously while cooking.
- After 5 minutes. add the cabbage and onions and stir the veggies with the meat for 1 minute with continuous stirring and turning.
- After a minute scoop out the meat and veggies using a strainer. Let it drip the oil for a while and gently press it with a spatula to help drain the excess oil.
- Put a plate on top of the strainer and turn it upside down to transfer the pigar pigar in the plate.
- Serve the pigar pigar immediately while hot and serve with cooked rice.
Notes