Certified Noodlic Katutubo Thursday: Spicy Sweet n’ Sour Tofu with Chicken Gizzard Rice Noodles

Batikolon/Balunbalunan. The very first time I had chicken gizzard was in Davao when I was a uni student. My boardmates brought me to this ihawan (griller’s place) in Mintal proper, and it was love at first bite! We found ourselves frequenting this place during my one-year stay there. This was over two decades ago. And it was not until I had Yeti back in 2023 that I started consuming chicken giblets again.

Yeti, who’s a picky eater, allowed my holistic cooking skills to develop further as I took a deep dive in researching holistic pet nutrition, with canines in mind. Hence, the birth of Pawntee’s Grub. Currently, both kitchens are temporarily closed as my #bhooiz and I prepare for the next chapter of our TiKi Adventures (#chroniclesofaWHooman) in a different location.

Amidst my knowing that change is the only constant in this world, it does not change the fact that change can be overwhelming at some point. Also, the planning and preparation involved is no joke! I am missing having a restful slumber, and the bhooiz? Their rowdiness level tells me that they are restless as well. It was in this particular sojourn that I heard them howl for the first time. My hobo looking bhooiz' really know how to get my attention. LOL.

Tokwa. One of the plant-based protein sources I enjoy after boycotting it for a few years. Another story for another time. There’s just this certain satisfaction I get whenever I enjoy tofu.

Rice Noodles. Aaaah, as a certified #noodlic, would it be too much to say that noodles is life? Although noodles and pasta are still my preferred carbohydrate sources, lately, I’ve also been enjoying bread. Thanks to the sari-sari store (Pinoy neighborhood convenience store) near me selling monay. Salamat ate! (older woman)

Before making this Spicy Sweet n’ Sour Tofu with Chicken Gizzard Rice Noodles, let’s broaden our word bank with some Katutubo 101!

maanghang - spicy

matamis - sweet

maasim - sour

tokwa - tofu

batikolon/balunbalunan - chicken gizzard

pansit - noodles*

sibuyas - onion

bawang - garlic

luya - ginger

mantika - cooking oil

kamatis na puro/purong kamatis - tomato paste

suka - vinegar*

asukal na pula/pulang asukal - brown sugar

tubig/danum - water

sibuyas dahon - leeks*

buto ng linga - sesame seeds

ihawan - grillery/griller's place

sari-sari - variety

ate - older sister/woman

Note that pansit is the generic term for noodles, and that there is no Filipino term for flat rice noodles. The same goes for vinegar and leeks. That being said, enjoy making and savouring this Spicy Sweet n’ Sour Tofu with Chicken Gizzard Rice Noodles!

What’s your favourite chicken offal? How do you cook it? Share your thoughts below and if you happen to make this dish, remember to post and share your mouthwatering photos on IG @amreyskitchen #amreyskitchen #amapolism #katutubo101 #noodlic. Remember, sharing is loving.

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Happy cooking, lovelies! #mettalove