Elevate Your Filipino Dishes with Herbed Butter
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When we think of Filipino cooking, the first flavors that come to mind are garlic, onions, soy sauce, calamansi, and bagoong. But one underrated ingredient that can elevate traditional Filipino dishes is herbed butter. Rich, flavorful, and versatile, herbed butter isn’t just for steaks or Western recipes—it can seamlessly blend into the heart of Filipino cuisine.
What is Herbed Butter?
Herbed butter is simply butter mixed with fresh or dried herbs (like parsley, basil, rosemary, or thyme), garlic, and sometimes a touch of lemon. It’s creamy, aromatic, and adds a gourmet touch to any dish.
How to Use Herbed Butter in Filipino Dishes
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Garlic Butter Shrimp (Hipon sa Garlic Butter)
A classic Filipino favorite becomes even more indulgent with herbed butter. The herbs add depth to the garlicky sauce, making it perfect for pairing with steaming white rice. -
Inihaw na Bangus or Pompano
Spread herbed butter inside the fish cavity before grilling. The butter melts into the fish, infusing it with a herby, citrusy aroma that complements the smoky char. -
Pancit Canton or Spaghetti
Swap your regular oil for a spoonful of herbed butter when stir-frying noodles. It coats each strand with savory richness while highlighting the flavors of vegetables and meats. -
Bistek Tagalog (Beef Steak)
Add a pat of herbed butter at the end of cooking for a glossy, flavorful finish. It balances the salty-tangy soy-calamansi sauce with a smooth, herby note. -
Grilled Corn (Inihaw na Mais)
Instead of plain margarine, slather corn with herbed butter and a sprinkle of salt. It’s a simple street food favorite elevated into something restaurant-worthy. -
Rice Toppings & Garlic Rice
Mix herbed butter into freshly cooked rice for an instant upgrade. It melts in, coating every grain with savory flavor—perfect for tapsilog or any silog meal.
Why Filipinos Will Love It
Herbed butter makes dishes more aromatic, enhances umami flavors, and brings a restaurant-quality twist to everyday meals. Best of all, it’s easy to make and store—just prepare a batch, keep it chilled, and use whenever you want a quick flavor boost.
From shrimp and fish to bistek and rice bowls, herbed butter can fit right into Filipino kitchens. It’s proof that simple upgrades can make comfort food even more special. Try adding it to your next home-cooked meal—you might just discover your new secret ingredient.