Embark on a culinary journey to the enchanting island of Guam with "Savoring the Flavor: Guam's Tinala Katne Tradition." Explore the rich cultural heritage of Guam through one of its most beloved dishes, Tinala Katne. This traditional Chamorro delicacy features thinly sliced and cured beef or venison, seasoned with a blend of local spices and herbs, then air-dried to perfection. Join us as we delve into the history, preparation techniques, and significance of Tinala Katne in Chamorro cuisine. Discover the unique flavors and aromas that make this dish a staple in Guam's culinary landscape, and learn how it continues to be cherished by locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or a curious traveler, this immersive experience promises to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your passion for Guam's vibrant gastronomic heritage.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef (such as sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vinegar (preferably cane vinegar)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Cooking oil for brushing

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.

2- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all slices are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3- After marinating, remove the beef slices from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

4- Preheat your smoker or grill to a low temperature (around 200°F to 225°F).

5- Arrange the beef slices on the smoker or grill grate, making sure they are not overlapping to ensure even smoking. Close the lid and smoke the beef for about 4 to 6 hours, or until it is dried to your desired level of doneness. Check periodically and rotate the slices if necessary for even drying.

6- Once the beef is dried and has developed a rich smoky flavor, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it cool to room temperature.

7- Once cooled, you can store the dried beef strips in an airtight container or resealable bags in the refrigerator for up to several weeks.

8- To use the Tinala Katne in dishes like fried rice or stews, simply rehydrate the desired amount of beef strips by soaking them in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. Once rehydrated, the beef is ready to be incorporated into your favorite recipes, adding its delicious smoky flavor to your dishes. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed in the Tinala Katne recipe:

Beef (2 lbs):

• Calories: 1800
• Protein: 250g
• Fat: 80g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. It supports muscle growth, repair, and overall health.

Soy sauce (1 cup):

• Calories: 135
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds flavor to the dish and provides a salty taste. Contains amino acids and may have some antioxidant properties.

Vinegar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds acidity to the marinade and helps tenderize the meat. It may also aid digestion and offer some antimicrobial benefits.

Worcestershire sauce (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Enhances the flavor profile with its savory, tangy taste. Contains ingredients like vinegar, molasses, and spices, providing a depth of flavor.

Brown sugar (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds sweetness to balance the flavors in the marinade. Provides quick energy due to its simple carbohydrate content.

Garlic (6 cloves):

• Calories: 24
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds aroma and flavor while also providing potential health benefits, including immune support and cardiovascular protection.

Black pepper (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 17
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Enhances the taste of the dish and may have digestive benefits due to its active compound, piperine.

Onion powder (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:Adds a subtle onion flavor and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Garlic powder (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 28
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:Similar to fresh garlic, adds flavor and potential health benefits, including immune support and heart health.

Chili flakes (optional, 1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds heat and spice to the marinade. Contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods.