Loko-Loko: A Pufferfish Delicacy with a Zing in Bantayan Island

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by Chasing Potatoes

Loko-Loko, also known as Buriring, is a type of pufferfish that gets Bantayanons excited and thrilled. It can be prepared as a local delicacy. While I’ve personally had a positive experience, and let me tell you, it filled my tummy with deliciously goodies from these cutie puffs, haha🤣! It’s also important to remember the risks involved though. 

There was a case, however, of a family I believe was poisoned by pufferfish in Cebu. This is because some pufferfish species, while similar in appearance to Loko-Loko, contain toxins. You can find more information about these different pufferfish varieties online (link here). The link includes a picture at the top showing the two varieties of pufferfish: Loko-Loko (or Buriring) on top, and the toxin-containing variety below.

https://bacolodfoodhunters.com/2014/08/09/cadiz-citys-first-buriring-puffer-fish-festival/#jp-carousel-8561

I’m sharing the link to this blog here, and I’m surprised there’s also a part of the Philippines that has a Buriring Festival! Like WOW! 😮 Credits to the owner of this blog 🙂

Cadiz City’s first Buriring (Puffer fish) Festival!

As I’ve also recently seen on KMJS, they featured Buriring in Masbate, where they also have a Buriring festival. If you’re interested in learning more about Buriring and the festival in Masbate, I recommend checking out the KMJS feature. They showcased various recipes and provided valuable information on handling and preparing this delicacy safely.

Loko-Loko (Buriring) is a small pufferfish enjoyed in some parts of the Philippines, particularly here in Bantayan Island. It’s traditionally prepared in a simple way, as in very simple, not taking less than 5 minutes, highlighting the natural flavor of the fish.

DISCLAIMER: It’s important to be aware of the dangers associated with Loko-Loko consumption, even for varieties considered “safer.” Loko-Loko, like all pufferfish, can be risky. This recipe is for informational purposes only.

HOW TO PREPARE LOKO-LOKO:

  • Fresh Loko-Loko fish (crucially important: ensure it’s Loko-Loko and not another pufferfish species)
  • Libas leaves (Spondias pinnata) sometimes called hog plum (usually included for free when buying Loko-Loko)
  • Lemongrass stalk (optional – included with some Loko-Loko purchases)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Clean the Fish: Thoroughly rinse the Loko-Loko under clean running water.
  2. Layer the Pot: In a casserole, place the Libas leaves at the bottom.
  3. Add Aromatics (Optional): If available, add the bruised lemongrass stalk on top of the Libas leaves.
  4. Add Loko-Loko: Gently place the Loko-Loko fish in the casserole.
  5. Seasoning and Water: Season with salt to taste, then carefully pour a small amount of water into the pot. You only need enough water to barely cover the bottom layer of fish.
  6. Heat it Up: Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
  7. Simmering: Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
  8. Serve: Enjoy your Loko-Loko hot directly in the pot.

HOW TO EAT LOKO-LOKO:

  1. Separate the Flesh: Carefully handle the cooked Loko-Loko with your hands. Tear it in half along the belly, separating the flesh from the tail and head.
  2. Eating the Flesh: Suck out the insides of the flesh. Be aware that the yellowish part is the liver, which has a very strong flavor (but hey, it’s my favorite😋🤤!). My next favorite part is the tail. I don’t like the head, but you can try sucking the flavors out or even eat it whole if you’d like. haha😂!

ADDITIONAL NOTES TO REMEMBER:

  • It’s important to be aware of the dangers associated with Loko-Loko consumption, even for varieties considered “safer.” Important Note: Loko-Loko, like all pufferfish, can be risky. This recipe is for informational purposes only.
  • Hey, it’s Loko-Loko season in Bantayan (July-August)! This coincides with sugar apple season, haha 😂. But here’s a funny local saying: supposedly, when it’s squid season, the Loko-Loko get scared and disappear until next year Loki-Loki yarn haha! 😂
  • Anyway, I just had to share this dish I love! Loko-Loko is a local favorite, but remember safety first, especially when exploring delicacies like this. Okye??

PRICE OF LOKO-LOKO/BURIRING

As of this writing, the price of Loko-Loko is currently ₱160.00 per kilo ($2.74). However, when supply is more, it can drop to around ₱50.00-₱100.00 per kilo (approximately USD $0.85 – $1.70) until the Loko-Loko season ends.

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Thanks for reading. ♥

How about you? Have you ever tried the adventurous dish called Loko-Loko or Buriring? It’s a unique culinary experience that’s definitely worth trying if you’re up for a challenge! If not, would you be interested in giving it a shot? Tell me your story. I would love to hear from you? Please connect thru  my FB page and Instagram. Join me in my adventure and misadventure. Let’s chase those potatoes.
 

Those naughty potatoes roll so fast that I could hardly catch up with them in BANTAYAN ISLAND.  I wonder what place will they be venturing next for these little mischiefs love to give delicate challenges and if you do love to accept the challenge, you may support here 👉   https://paypal.me/chasingpotatoes.   Let’s catch them all  for the next chasing potatoes adventure.

 
Thanks for reading my blog and watching my vlog.❤️

Stay safe and take care.

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⛔P.S. I put a lot of effort in taking these photos and I placed hidden watermarks in all of them, so please don't download them freely without asking permission. If you want to feature my photos without watermark, just message me.⛔




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Chasing Potatoes

Why Chasing Potatoes? I’m Chasing Potatoes. I chase time and opportunities because just like round potatoes they roll and get lost. I chase them to store memories to last a lifetime. I make haste, running after them, fearful that they might be gone. That’s why I go places on land or in water.My story tells about the journey of chasing time and saying yes to wonderful opportunities.

12 thoughts on “Loko-Loko: A Pufferfish Delicacy with a Zing in Bantayan Island”

  2. We did not know that there is a pufferfish species that may be eaten like this. Thanks for sharing! We did encounter a fisherman in Pangasinan who caught a poisonous variety and said he knew how to remove its poison and will prepare it kinilaw-style. Chefs in Japan have to be licensed to prepare puffer fish or fugu – which the Japanese enjoy at the cost of a number of deaths in the past several years (mostly due to inexperienced chefs).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ever since I was a kid, we’ve always cooked this Loko-Loko dish! Haha. But later on, I learned there are actually poisonous pufferfish species out there just like that in Japan. Just recently, I saw another spiky, big pufferfish at the market – well, that’s a no way for me, way too scary looking! LOL! Hahaha! Luckily, Loko-Loko is in season now and this specie is the kind I am very much familiar with and know that it is safe, so that’s the one I purchased and cooked. hehe 😅😅😅

      Liked by 2 people

    1. That’s totally understandable! Loko-Loko isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely a unique experience for adventurous eaters. Even my partner gives Loko-Loko a big NO WAY, haha! 🤣🤣 Thanks again for dropping by. ❤️

      Liked by 2 people

    1. I changed the title, haha! 😂 I shouldn’t have put ‘dangerous.’ Anyway, the price of Loko-Loko is currently Php 160.00 Pesos per kilo. However, when the supply is more, it can drop to around Php 50.00-100.00 Pesos per kilo.

      Liked by 1 person

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