Ginisang Sayote with Chicken is easy to make and budget-friendly, too. Flavored with tomatoes and oyster sauce, this vegetable dish is delicious as it is nutritious. Perfect with hot steamed rice paired with fried or grilled fish!
One vegetable (technically a fruit) I always keep a stock of in my produce bin would be chayote, also known as sayote, mirliton, or pear squash.
Not only is it relatively cheap, but it’s also a very versatile ingredient. I like to eat it raw in salads, add in soups or stews, and toss it into quick stir-fry dishes like this ginisang sayote with chicken.
How to prepare chayote
Do you know the seed and skin of the chayote are edible? You can leave them on if you like or follow the steps below.
- Cut about half an inch off the chayote to release the sap.
- Rub the sliced top on the cut part of the chayote in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. The transparent sap/liquid will turn into a white, foam-like consistency. This process will remove the stickiness of the squash, and it will be easier to peel and slice without leaving a gooey, sticky resin on your hands which can be irritating to the skin.
- Using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, peel the skin.
- Cut the chayote in half and then into quarters. With the paring knife or a spoon, remove the seed. Cut the chayote into chunks according to the recipe.
- Keep in a bowl of cold water until ready to use.
Cooking tips
- This recipe uses chicken thigh fillets as they’re more flavorful and do not dry out easily as chicken breasts. You can also use bone-in chicken parts cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Aside from chicken, the dish also works well with other types of protein. You can use ground pork, diced beef, or shrimp.
- You can add carrots to extend the dish and for extra nutrition, color, and texture.
- Chayote are best enjoyed tender yet crisp. Take them out of the heat before they’re fully tender as they’ll continue to cook and soften in the residual heat.
How to serve and store
- Ginisang sayote with chicken is a tasty main dish paired with steamed rice and fried or grilled fish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish doesn’t freeze well as the chayote turns mushy when frozen and thawed.
- Reheat in a saucepan or warm in the microwave until completely heated through.
More vegetable recipes
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @kawalingpinoy on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 4 sayote, peeled, cored, quartered and sliced on a bias
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a wide pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Add tomatoes and cook until softened and release juices.
- Add water and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and continue to cook until chicken is cooked through and liquid is reduced to about 1 cup.
- Add oyster sauce and stir until well-dispersed.
- Add sayote and cook until tender yet crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Peggy says
I just cooked this and its delicious! Yummy! So simple, budget friendly and oh soooo delish.
Roan B. Caballero says
I tried it and my kid loved it. Thank you
Mark says
Is it ok to use regular tomatoes instead of roma tomatoes?
Lalaine Manalo says
Yes 🙂
Marites Pabilona says
I’m interested for the new recipes that is easy and less of time to prepare. Thank you for the recipe.
Lalaine Manalo says
You’re welcome, Marites!
Daedae says
What can be used instead of the oyster sauce?
Lalaine says
Hello Daedae,
Here’s a helpful list of possible substitutes http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Oyster-Sauce-Substitute.html.
Maria Mejia says
If its okay even without tomato? Or What else can be exchanged for tomatoes???
Rowena says
Hiya! i came across you food blog while searching for a sayote recipe. Ijust cooked this today and it taste really good. My 3 yrs. old toddler that is very picky eater have eaten the sayote. Thanks for sharing. will be trying all your recipes.
Lalaine says
I am glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Johanna Palisoc says
Hi Ms. Lalaine I cooked this dish last Sunday and my kids truly loved it. The procedure was simple and very easy to follow.
Lalaine says
Thanks, Joanna, for the feedback. I am glad the kids loved it. I know when my daughter was growing up, I had a hard time figuring out what to cook as she had very particular (or peculiar!) taste in food.
Ruby Gaviola says
I cooked this last night. Followed each step accordingly. Came out perfect! Thank you!
Lalaine says
Thanks, Ruby, for the feedback. I am glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂