Indulge your taste buds with a burst of Pacific Island flavor with Guam Kelaguen. This traditional Chamorro dish embodies the essence of Guam's culinary heritage, offering a tantalizing blend of tangy, savory, and spicy notes. Made with freshly grilled meat, typically chicken or fish, finely chopped and mixed with coconut, lemon juice, green onions, and fiery peppers, Guam Kelaguen is a mouthwatering sensation that brings the taste of the tropics to your plate. Served alongside warm, fluffy rice or wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf, this dish is a celebration of vibrant flavors and cultural richness. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a zesty appetizer, Guam Kelaguen is sure to transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mariana Islands with every bite.

Here's a recipe for Guam Kelaguen:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of grilled chicken, beef, or seafood (such as shrimp or fish), finely chopped
• 1 cup freshly grated coconut
• 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup lemon or calamansi juice
• 2-3 hot peppers (like Thai chilies or jalapeños), finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Salt, to taste
• Lettuce leaves or warm rice, for serving

Instructions:

1- Grill the meat of your choice until fully cooked. Allow it to cool slightly before finely chopping it. You can also use leftover grilled meat for this dish.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped meat, grated coconut, sliced green onions, and finely chopped hot peppers.

3- Pour the lemon or calamansi juice over the mixture. Start with about 3/4 cup of juice and adjust according to your taste preference. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.

4- Season the mixture with salt to taste. Remember that the lemon juice will add some acidity, so adjust the salt accordingly.

5- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6- Allow the flavors to meld by letting the Kelaguen sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

7- Serve the Guam Kelaguen either wrapped in lettuce leaves as a refreshing appetizer or alongside warm rice as a main course.

8- Enjoy the burst of flavors that this traditional Chamorro dish brings to your palate!

Note: Guam Kelaguen is typically served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the flavors may intensify as it sits.

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in Guam Kelaguen:

Grilled chicken (1 lb):

• Calories: 530 kcal
• Protein: 95 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Good source of various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.
• Lower in saturated fat compared to other meats like beef, making it a healthier choice for heart health.

Freshly grated coconut (1 cup, unsweetened):

• Calories: 283 kcal
• Protein: 2.7 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 7 g

benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide quick energy for the body.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Contains essential minerals such as manganese, copper, and iron, important for various bodily functions.

Green onions (1 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 19 kcal
• Protein: 1.8 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.1 g
• Fiber: 1.9 g

benefits:

• Low in calories and fat but high in fiber, making them beneficial for weight management and digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins A and K, which are important for eye health, bone health, and blood clotting.
• Contains antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Lemon or calamansi juice (1 cup):

• Calories: 61 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports skin health.
• Contains citric acid, which may aid in digestion and improve mineral absorption.
• Alkalizing properties that help balance the body's pH levels and promote detoxification.

Hot peppers (2-3 peppers):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g

benefits:

• Rich in capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism and promote fat burning.
• Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
• May have analgesic properties and help relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values for the overall dish will depend on the portion sizes and ratios of ingredients used in the recipe.