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What is Binakol?
Binakol is a traditional Visayas chicken soup known for its light, refreshing broth made with coconut water and young coconut meat. Often associated with home-style cooking in the Visayan regions, this dish highlights natural flavors rather than heavy seasoning. Binakol is loved by Filipinos for its clean taste, soothing warmth, and nourishing qualities—making it a go-to ulam when craving something simple yet comforting.
Why Masarap
Masarap ang Binakol dahil malinaw at mabango ang sabaw, may subtle sweetness mula sa buko, at malambot ang manok kapag pinakuluan nang tama. The coconut water gives the soup a gentle aroma and fresh finish, making it lighter than many creamy gata-based dishes. It’s the kind of pagkain na nakaka-comfort ng tiyan at pakiramdam, lalo na kapag bagong luto.
Best Eaten For
Binakol is best eaten for lunch or dinner, especially on rainy days, family meals, or whenever a warm, soothing soup is needed.
Ingredients
- Chicken, cut into serving pieces
- Coconut water (buko juice)
- Young coconut meat, sliced
- Ginger, sliced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, crushed
- Lemongrass (optional)
- Fish sauce or salt
- Black pepper
- Cooking oil
How to Cook Binakol
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pot and sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Pour in coconut water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add young coconut meat and lemongrass if using.
- Season with fish sauce or salt and pepper.
- Simmer until the chicken is tender and the broth is flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Binakol is best served with hot steamed rice and a simple sawsawan like patis-calamansi.
For a comforting soup rotation, it also pairs well with dishes like Tinola or noodle-based meals such as Chicken Sotanghon Soup.
As a contrast, a crispy side like Lechon Kawali adds texture to the meal.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 2–3 days.
- Reheat gently to preserve the clarity and flavor of the broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ano ang pinagkaiba ng Binakol at Tinola?
Binakol uses coconut water, while tinola uses plain water with green papaya or sayote.
Pwede bang walang lemongrass?
Yes, it’s optional and mainly adds aroma.
Anong manok ang best gamitin?
Native or free-range chicken gives deeper flavor, but regular chicken works too.
Pwede bang dagdagan ng gulay?
Yes, sayote or leafy greens can be added lightly.
Mas bagay ba ito sa may sakit?
It’s commonly enjoyed as comfort food because it’s light and soothing.
Want more stories beyond food?
More helpful reads:
- FeedFrenzyPlus.com offers curated news and informative articles.
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Discover more easy and delicious recipes you’ll love. Kasama mo ang SarapDiaries.com for all things masarap.
Ava Manalo is a passionate home cook who loves exploring flavors, recreating comforting classics, and sharing easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to every meal. As an author at Sarap Diaries, she focuses on Filipino dishes, merienda favorites, and simple cooking tips that make homemade food approachable and always delicious.
When she’s not developing recipes, Ava enjoys discovering new food spots, experimenting with global flavors, and turning everyday ingredients into heartwarming dishes for all kinds of occasions.
