Goto, a traditional Filipino rice porridge, is a staple comfort food in many households. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. When cooked with chicken, goto becomes a nutritious and filling meal that’s perfect for the whole family. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook goto with chicken that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Understanding the Basics of Goto
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first understand the basics of goto. Goto is a type of rice porridge that’s made with glutinous or sticky rice, which is different from regular long-grain rice. Glutinous rice is higher in starch and has a stickier texture, making it perfect for porridge. Goto is often served with various toppings such as ginger, onions, garlic, and protein sources like chicken or pork.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make a delicious goto with chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of glutinous rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small piece of ginger, grated
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of patis (fish sauce) or salt
- 2 tablespoons of calamansi (Filipino lime) juice
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Tips for Choosing the Right Chicken
When choosing the right chicken for your goto, make sure to select boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. You can also use a combination of both for added flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner protein source, you can use chicken breast. However, if you want a more tender and juicy goto, use chicken thighs.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking the goto, make sure to prepare all the ingredients. Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger into small pieces. Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and patis or salt. Mix well to combine.
Cooking the Goto
To cook the goto, follow these steps:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Add the soaked glutinous rice and stir well to combine.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Season the goto with salt, black pepper, and calamansi juice.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Goto
To cook the perfect goto, make sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot. You can also add more water if the goto becomes too thick. If you prefer a creamier goto, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk.
Serving and Enjoying Your Goto
Once the goto is cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy. You can serve the goto hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of salt. You can also add various toppings such as boiled eggs, fried garlic, or grilled chicken.
Popular Toppings for Goto
Here are some popular toppings for goto:
- Boiled eggs
- Fried garlic
- Grilled chicken
- Fried shallots
- Chopped green onions
- Calamansi wedges
Tips for Customizing Your Goto
To customize your goto, feel free to add your favorite toppings or ingredients. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to give your goto a unique flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking goto with chicken is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a traditional Filipino dish. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a nutritious and filling meal that’s perfect for the whole family. Remember to choose the right ingredients, prepare them properly, and cook the goto with care. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize your goto to your liking. Happy cooking!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Glutinous rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1 small |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 small piece |
| Chicken | 1 pound |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Patis (fish sauce) or salt | 2 tablespoons |
| Calamansi (Filipino lime) juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Green onions | 2 |
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Boiled eggs
- Fried garlic
What is Goto and how does it differ from other Filipino dishes?
Goto is a traditional Filipino rice porridge dish that is similar to congee. It is made with rice and ginger, and often served with various toppings such as eggs, vegetables, and meat or seafood. What sets Goto apart from other Filipino dishes is its comforting and soothing nature, making it a popular choice for breakfast or as a remedy for when one is feeling under the weather.
In terms of its differences from other Filipino dishes, Goto is distinct from other rice-based dishes like sinangag (fried rice) or arroz caldo (a spicy rice porridge). While sinangag is a fried rice dish that is often served as a side, and arroz caldo is a spicy rice porridge that is flavored with ginger and onions, Goto is a more subtle and comforting dish that is often served as a main course.
What are the essential ingredients needed to cook the perfect Goto with chicken?
The essential ingredients needed to cook the perfect Goto with chicken include rice, ginger, onions, garlic, chicken, and chicken broth. Other ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish include eggs, vegetables, and various seasonings such as salt, pepper, and patis (fish sauce). It’s also important to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh ginger and onions, to get the best flavor out of the dish.
In addition to these ingredients, it’s also important to have the right cooking equipment, such as a large pot and a rice cooker or steamer. A rice cooker or steamer can help to cook the rice to the right consistency, while a large pot can be used to cook the chicken and ginger in a flavorful broth.
How do I prepare the chicken for cooking Goto?
To prepare the chicken for cooking Goto, it’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. The chicken should be cut into small pieces and marinated in a mixture of salt, pepper, and other seasonings such as garlic and ginger. This will help to add flavor to the chicken and make it more tender.
It’s also important to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and heated through. This can be done by boiling the chicken in a flavorful broth or by sautéing it in a pan with some oil and garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, it can be added to the Goto and simmered until the flavors have melded together.
What is the best type of rice to use for cooking Goto?
The best type of rice to use for cooking Goto is a type of short-grain rice that is high in starch, such as Japanese mochigome or Filipino malagkit rice. This type of rice is sticky and clingy, which makes it perfect for cooking Goto. It’s also important to use a high-quality rice that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
In addition to using the right type of rice, it’s also important to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking it. This will help to remove any impurities and excess starch, which can make the Goto too sticky or clumpy. Once the rice is rinsed, it can be cooked in a rice cooker or steamer until it is soft and creamy.
How do I achieve the right consistency for my Goto?
To achieve the right consistency for Goto, it’s best to cook the rice until it is soft and creamy. This can be done by cooking the rice in a rice cooker or steamer, or by simmering it in a flavorful broth on the stovetop. The key is to cook the rice slowly and patiently, stirring it constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
In addition to cooking the rice, it’s also important to add the right amount of liquid to the Goto. This can be done by adding chicken broth or water to the pot, and then simmering it until the liquid has been absorbed and the Goto has reached the right consistency. The Goto should be thick and creamy, but still pourable.
Can I customize my Goto with different toppings and ingredients?
Yes, Goto can be customized with different toppings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some popular toppings for Goto include eggs, vegetables, and various meats or seafood. You can also add different seasonings and spices to the Goto, such as garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
In addition to adding toppings and ingredients, you can also experiment with different cooking methods and techniques to create a unique and personalized Goto. For example, you can try cooking the Goto in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, or adding different types of broth or stock to the pot. The key is to be creative and have fun with the recipe.
How do I store and reheat leftover Goto?
To store leftover Goto, it’s best to cool it down to room temperature and then refrigerate it in an airtight container. The Goto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the Goto, simply place it in a pot or microwave-safe container and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it is hot and steaming.
It’s also important to note that Goto can thicken and become sticky when it is refrigerated or frozen. To prevent this, you can add a little water or broth to the Goto when reheating it, and then stir it constantly until it has reached the right consistency.