🥥 Binakol: The Soul-Warming Filipino Chicken Soup with a Coconut Twist
Infused with local ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, green papaya (or chayote), and patis (fish sauce), Binakol is a perfect harmony of healing warmth and tropical freshness.
🌴 What Makes Binakol Unique?
While Binakol shares some similarities with the popular Tinola, the key difference is that Binakol uses coconut water and grated coconut instead of plain water. This gives the broth a natural sweetness and nutty aroma that elevates the dish into something truly special.
In fact, in traditional settings, Binakol was even cooked inside bamboo or coconut shells—enhancing its earthy, authentic flavor.
🧾 Ingredients
Here’s what goes into a classic Binakol:
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1 whole chicken (cut into serving pieces)
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2 cups fresh coconut water
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½ cup grated coconut (optional but recommended)
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1 small green papaya or chayote, sliced
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A handful of leafy greens (like malunggay or spinach)
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1 stalk lemongrass (pounded and tied)
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1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 tbsp patis (fish sauce)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: green chili or bird’s eye chili for heat
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Optional: bamboo or coconut shell for serving (traditional style)
👨🍳 How to Cook Binakol
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Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil and sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
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Add chicken: Toss in the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
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Pour coconut water: Add lemongrass and grated coconut. Pour in the coconut water and bring to a boil.
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Simmer: Reduce heat and let it simmer until the chicken is tender (about 30 minutes).
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Add vegetables: Add green papaya or chayote. Simmer for 10 more minutes until the veggies are soft.
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Season: Stir in patis, salt, pepper, and chili (if using). Add leafy greens and simmer briefly until wilted.
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Serve hot: Traditionally served in coconut shells or bowls, with steamed rice on the side.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Can be made with boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.
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Add young coconut meat strips for extra texture.
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For vegetarians, try a mushroom and tofu version using veggie broth and coconut water.
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Perfect as a hangover remedy or rainy-day comfort food.
🍲 Final Thoughts
Binakol is a warm hug in a bowl—a dish that celebrates the richness of Filipino flavors through humble, local ingredients. Whether you're exploring Filipino cuisine for the first time or craving a soulful home-cooked meal, Binakol offers a comforting, coconut-infused experience that’s hard to forget.
Let me know if you'd like this in Tamil or with step-by-step photos for a food blog post!
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