Authentic Cebuano Bam-i Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Classic Noodle Dish
Cebuano Bam-i Recipe: Classic Noodle Dish Guide

Master the Art of Cebuano Bam-i: A Comprehensive Recipe Guide

Dive into the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines with this authentic Cebuano Bam-i recipe, a beloved noodle dish that combines savory meats, dried seafood, and fresh vegetables for a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this step-by-step guide ensures you can recreate this classic Filipino favorite in your own kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Cebuano Bam-i

To achieve the authentic taste of Cebuano Bam-i, gather the following ingredients organized into sets for easy preparation. This dish is known for its complex flavors, so using fresh components is key to success.

Set A: Broth and Meat Base

  • 250 grams of pork belly, boiled and sliced
  • 1 whole chicken, boiled and shredded
  • 3 cups of water for the broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional for enhanced flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon of patis (fish sauce) for seasoning

Set B: Dried Seafood and Sausage

  • 2 pieces of dried squid (posit), cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons of dried shrimp (hipon)
  • 1–2 pieces of chorizo Bilbao or chorizo Macau, sliced

Set C: Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped finely
  • 1 carrot, cut into strips
  • 2 cups of cabbage, sliced
  • ½ cup of black fungus mushrooms (tenga ng daga), soaked in water and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of Chinese celery (kinchay), chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

Set D: Noodles and Flavor Enhancers

  • 150 grams of sotanghon (vermicelli), soaked until pliable
  • 100 grams of egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
  • 1 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Set E: Garnish and Serving Suggestions

  • Fried garlic for a crispy topping
  • Extra Chinese celery for freshness
  • Kalamansi, halved for a citrusy squeeze

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to prepare your Cebuano Bam-i, ensuring each layer of flavor is perfectly developed for an authentic dining experience.

Set A: Preparing the Broth and Meat

  1. In a large pot, boil the pork belly and chicken in water with the bouillon cube (if using) until tender, which typically takes about 30-40 minutes.
  2. Remove the meats from the pot, allow them to cool slightly, then slice the pork and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Strain the broth, reserving it for later use in the cooking process to infuse the dish with rich flavors.

Set B: Sautéing Dried Seafood and Sausage

  1. Heat cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Sauté the dried shrimp, dried squid strips, and chorizo slices until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring until softened. Then, incorporate the cooked pork and chicken, seasoning lightly with fish sauce to enhance the savory notes.

Set C: Adding Vegetables

  1. Pour the reserved broth into the pan and bring it to a gentle boil. This step helps meld all the ingredients together.
  2. Add the carrot strips first, cooking until they begin to soften but remain slightly crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mix in the cabbage, black fungus mushrooms, and Chinese celery. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a balanced taste profile.

Set D: Incorporating Noodles and Final Flavors

  1. Add the egg noodles first, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
  2. Stir in the soaked sotanghon, gently tossing to combine all elements. This completes the base of your Cebuano Bam-i, ready for the final touches.
  3. If desired, mix in oyster sauce for an extra layer of depth. Then, sprinkle with white pepper and drizzle sesame oil to round out the flavors.

Set E: Garnishing and Serving

  1. Top the dish with fried garlic and extra Chinese celery for added texture and aroma.
  2. Serve hot with kalamansi halves on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus juice over their portions for a tangy kick.
  3. For a traditional Cebuano experience, enjoy this Bam-i with sliced bread on the side, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

This Cebuano Bam-i recipe offers a delightful journey into Filipino cuisine, combining diverse ingredients into a harmonious and satisfying meal. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive event, it's sure to impress with its authentic flavors and comforting appeal.