Betamax (Chicken Blood)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Betamax is a Filipino street food made from grilled pork or chicken blood. It got its name because its rectangular shape looked just like the old Betamax video tapes that were popular in the Philippines during the '80s. This is one of the examples of Filipinos giving fun nicknames to street food, just like "Adidas" for chicken feet and "Walkman" for pig ears.

Jump to:

Ingredients
How I Make My Betamax
My Personal Tips
FAQ
Save on Pinterest!
Recipe Card

I actually used to NOT eat betamax. Just the thought of "grilled blood" made me squeamish. The first time I tried it was completely involuntary during a gross food challenge in a Survivor-like contest I joined. I was expecting the worst, but to my surprise, it wasn't gross at all. It was smoky, soft, and full of flavor. After that challenge, I found myself actually craving it. Betamax quickly went from NEVER to one of my favorite street foods.

Ingredients

For the betamax cubes

1 cup chicken blood (or pork blood)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
5 cups water

For the Adobo Marinade

½ chicken broth cube
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoon white vinegar
½ cup water
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the BBQ Baste

2 teaspoon oil
2 teaspoon soy sauce
½ cup ketchup

I chose these ingredients because they capture the true street food flavor of classic Betamax . They're affordable and exactly what you'd find in any local ihawan. The seasoning helps the blood set properly, while the adobo marinade gives it that familiar taste. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just the essential ingredients that bring out the tunay-na-Pinoy flavor I love.

How I Make My Betamax

Step 1

In a bowl, season the chicken blood with salt and pepper. Mix gently.

Step 2

Bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Slowly pour in the blood mixture. When it starts to set and thicken, drain and transfer it to a rectangular mold. Let it cool and harden.

Step 3

Slice into even cubes. This is your classic Betamax shape.

Step 4

Place the cubes in a nonstick pan. Add soy sauce, vinegar, water, garlic, pepper, garlic powder, and broth cube. Do NOT stir until the vinegar boils first. Scoop the liquid gently over the cubes. Cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to sink in.

Step 5

Remove the cubes (without the sauce), let them cool, and carefully insert bamboo skewers.

Step 6

Grill for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Brush with the mixture of oil, ketchup, and soy sauce while grilling.

Step 7

Cook until smoky, glazed, and slightly charred.

Serve Betamax hot off the grill and pair it with a generous amount of spiced vinegar for dipping. You can enjoy it on its own as merienda or pulutan, or serve it alongside other street food favorites like isaw, adidas, and tenga ng baboy for a full Pinoy tusok-tusok experience.

My Personal Tips

I like to let the blood cool completely before slicing. It keeps the cubes from breaking when you skewer them. Pre-cooking the betamax adobo-style really makes a difference, so don't skip that step. When grilling, baste often and let the edges get a little charred for that legit street food vibe. And of course, serve it with plenty of spicy vinegar. For me, the sawsawan makes the whole experience complete.

FAQ

What exactly is betamax?

Betamax is a Filipino street food made from pork or chicken blood, cut into rectangles and grilled on skewers. It was named after the old Betamax video tapes.

Is Betamax safe to eat?

Yes! As long as the blood is fully cooked and handled properly, it's safe to eat.

Which is better, chicken blood or pork blood?

Chicken blood is softer and smoother, while pork blood gives a firmer texture. It's really up to your preference.

Why do I need to cook it like adobo before grilling?

Cooking it adobo-style adds flavor, removes any strong smell, and helps the cubes firm up for grilling.

Can I make betamax without grilling?

Yes! You can air fry it or pan sear it. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How do I keep the cubes from breaking when I skewer them?

Let them cool and firm completely before slicing. Using a thin skewer also helps.

What dipping sauce goes best with betamax?

Spicy vinegar is the classic choice! You can add garlic, onion, chilies, and a bit of soy sauce for extra flavor.

Can I store leftover betamax?

Yes, you can refrigerate cooked betamax for up to 2-3 days. Reheat by grilling or air frying.

Save on Pinterest!

Recipe Card