Ulang Asado is one of the four recipes I have created to be published in Mama Sita’s recipe book. Ulang or fresh water prawn has a big head, long antennas and thorny claws. Other names of the ulang are udang, kising-kising and pahe. Its reported 15 species are native to the Philippines. Ulang are very tasty when cooked and also a good substitute for pork or beef. Although they are a little expensive, it is worth the adventure for your palate. Regular shrimps can be used as a substitute if ulang is unavailable.

Ingredients:

12 pieces or 3 pounds Ulang – heads removed, shelled, deveined and quartered

Vegetable oil for saut?ing and stir-frying

2-3 tablespoons Mama Sita’s oyster sauce

1 large yellow onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, peeled and diced (1/4 inch)

1 teaspoon sugar

2 tablespoon, finely chopped red bell pepper

freshly ground pepper to taste

2 medium sized potatoes, peeled, diced (1/4 inch) and stir-fried separately

2 tablespoons cornstarch diluted in 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Methods:

1.  Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan and saut? the ulang for a minute or two, and season with Mama Sita’s oyster sauce (do not overcook). Transfer to a platter.

2.  In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and saut? onion and garlic until fragrant but not browned.  Add the carrots until tender, but firm.  Add the saut?ed ulang, potato, red bell pepper and sprinkle with sugar.  Drizzle with slurry.  Cook for another minute or until sauce thickens, then season with freshly ground pepper.

Travel Tips:

Since we just came from a long trip abroad, we would again like to share more tips base on our own experiences.

1.  The air in the plane is very dry, so drink plenty of water and as often as necessary.  Also use lotion every now and then to moisturize your skin.

2.  Taking Vitamin C is always a preventive measure to increase your immune system, especially in a plane where air is re-circulated.

3.  Bring extra socks and underwear in your carry-on luggage in case of unexpected overnight stay.  

Editor’s note Mrs. Evelyn S. Bunoan is Owner/Master Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli (with more than 25 years of  service to the  Filipino-American community) - 3610 Lee Highway, Arlington, Virginia;   (703)528-0300;  Master Chef (French cuisine), Le Cordon Bleu, London, UK;  recipe creator, improviser, and food stylist and writer;  kitchen-tested and mastered more than 300 recipes, and counting.