Sipo Egg (Ginisang Itlog ng Pugo at Gulay) is a cherished Kapampangan dish where tender-crisp vegetables and peeled quail eggs are enrobed in a rich cream sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that exemplifies the sophisticated yet accessible nature of Filipino cuisine.
Large skillet or kawali (for even heat distribution and sufficient space for vegetables)
Sharp knife and cutting board (for uniform vegetable cuts)
Measuring cups and spoons
Heavy-bottomed saucepan (for boiling quail eggs)
Spider strainer (pamingwit/for removing eggs)
Wooden spoon or spatula (for gentle stirring)
Ingredients
For the Base:
12piecesquail eggsitlog ng pugo, hard-boiled and peeled
1tablespoonbutter
1medium onionsibuyas, peeled and finely chopped
2clovesgarlicbawang, peeled and minced
1tablespoonfish saucepatis
Vegetables:
2large carrotskarot, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1large singkamasjicama, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1cupfrozen sweet peasgisantes, thawed
½cupwater or chicken stock
For the Sauce:
1cuptable cream or all-purpose cream
Salt and pepperasin at paminta, to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons waterfor thickening
Instructions
First, bring water to a boil and cook the quail eggs for 3-4 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then peel and set aside.
Heat butter in your pan over medium heat until melted. Add your chopped onions and cook until they become clear and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in fish sauce and cook for one more minute.
Add your diced carrots and singkamas to the pan, stirring them with the onions and garlic. Pour in water or chicken stock. Let it come to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch.
Add the green peas and stir. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring continuously. Add your peeled quail eggs. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
Let it simmer gently for 2-3 more minutes until the peas and eggs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the pan.
Serve hot with steaming white rice. The vegetables should still be slightly crisp, and the sauce should be creamy and smooth.
Remember: Keep the heat low when adding the cream to prevent it from curdling, and don't overcook the vegetables – they should still have a nice bite to them.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
Always cut vegetables uniformly (pantay-pantay) for even cooking
Use fresh vegetables when possible for best texture and color
Add cream gradually while stirring to prevent curdling
Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent sauce from breaking
For extra richness, use butter made from carabao's milk
Traditional Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with steaming white rice (mainit na kanin)
Pair with grilled fish (inihaw na isda)
Include in Filipino party spreads alongside pancit and lumpia
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions
Optional: Serve with calamansi on the side
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sauce is too thin
Solution: Add cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring
Filipino tip: "Dapat malapot ang sarsa, hindi malabnaw"
Vegetables are too soft
Solution: Reduce cooking time, maintain "malutong-lutong" texture
Remember: "Hindi dapat malata ang gulay"
Sauce curdling
Solution: Lower heat, stir constantly when adding cream
Key: "Dahan-dahan sa paglalagay ng cream"
Ingredient Alternatives
Cream: Evaporated milk or coconut cream (gata)
Singkamas: Water chestnuts or potatoes
Quail eggs: Small chicken eggs, cut in quarters
Fish sauce: Light soy sauce for vegetarian version
Green peas: Young corn or green beans
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on stovetop (Temperature: Low heat, 140°C/285°F)
Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating
Do not freeze (hindi puede i-freeze)
Variations
Seafood Sipo Egg
Add 200g peeled shrimp
Include sliced squid rings
Meaty Version
Add diced ham or chicken
Include chicken gizzards
Vegetarian Sipo
Replace fish sauce with mushroom sauce
Add mushrooms for umami flavor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Bakit hindi kumakapal ang sarsa ko? (Why isn't my sauce thickening?) A: Ensure you're simmering on low heat and consider adding a cornstarch slurry.Q: Pwede bang gamitin ang regular na itlog? (Can I use regular eggs?) A: Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces to maintain the dish's elegance.Q: Gaano katagal pwedeng itago sa ref? (How long can it be stored in the refrigerator?) A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.Q: Pwede bang i-freeze? (Can it be frozen?) A: Not recommended as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.Creamy Kapampangan Sipo Egg