Binakol Recipe – Who doesn’t love a good chicken soup? In Filipino dishes, there are plenty of soups that feature different ingredients. Examples of this are Sinigang na Hipon and a sweet soup known as Ginataang Bilo Bilo. If you want a different take to regular chicken soup, you’ll want to try Binakol. Binakol is a Filipino chicken soup featuring coconut water as the base, lending a subtle sweetness and a beautiful aroma to the dish. This traditional soup also includes coconut meat, adding richness and a noodle-like texture.
Often cooked with chayote or green papaya and chili leaves, Binakol closely resembles the beloved Tinolang Manok, except for the coconut components. Originating from the Western Visayas region, the name “binakol” comes from the Hiligaynon word “bakol,” meaning “to spank.” This refers to the gentle pounding of the chicken pieces with the side of a knife to tenderize the meat and enhance its infusion with the delicious coconut water flavor.
To make this delicious chicken soup, you can use the following Binakol Recipe:
Binakol
Ingredients
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 onion peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 thumb-size piece of ginger peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 whole native chicken about 3 to 4 pounds, cut into serving parts
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 4 cups coconut juice
- 1 cup young coconut meat buko
- 1 green papaya peeled and cubed
- 1 bunch spinach stems removed, leaves separated
- 1 pinch salt add to taste
- 1 pinch pepper add to taste
Instructions
- Let’s start by preparing the lemongrass. Cut off the stem and leaf ends, then peel a few layers to reveal the white part. Cut the lemongrass into 2-inch lengths and gently pound them with the back of a knife to release its amazing flavor. Set it aside for later.
- In a pot over medium heat, heat up the canola oil. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and julienned ginger. Cook them until they become softened and fill your kitchen with delightful aromas.
- Now, add the chicken to the pot and cook until it changes color and the juices run clear. It’s starting to look delicious already!
- Pour in the fish sauce and cook for about a minute, letting all those flavors meld together beautifully.
- Time to add the star ingredient – the coconut juice! Bring it to a boil, and while it’s heating up, skim off any scum that may float on top.
- Now, toss in the lemongrass we prepared earlier. This will infuse the soup with its refreshing taste.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for around 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- It’s papaya time! Add the cubed green papaya to the pot and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches the perfect level of tenderness.
- Now, let’s give it some extra texture and flavor. Add the young coconut meat and let it heat through. Yum!
- Finally, season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. It’s your chance to make it just right for you.
- Last but not least, add the fresh spinach leaves, gently pushing them down into the flavorful broth. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the spinach wilt a bit.
Other Notes for a Binokal Recipe
To get an extra flavorful soup, opt for bone-in chicken cut into serving parts. If possible, use free-range chicken, as it offers higher protein and lower fat content compared to commercial broilers. The long cooking time of the chicken intensifies the taste, making it even more satisfying. For a perfect texture, select young coconuts that are both meaty and tender, adding a delightful element to your recipe.
When serving the dish, it is best to pair it with steamed rice for a hearty and flavorful meal. f you have leftovers, make sure to cool them down completely before transferring to a container with a tight-fitting lid. You can safely store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, use a saucepan over medium heat and ensure the soup reaches a temperature of 165°F to maintain its deliciousness.
If you want to try other chicken dishes, check out our Chicken Menudo and Halang Halang Recipes. For other cuisines, you can try our Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Honey Butter Skillet Corn Recipes. Aside from these, you can try other soup dishes like Nilaga, Dinengdeng, and Ginisang Sayote.
