Are you a foodie looking to explore the flavors of the Philippines? Look no further! With its rich culinary heritage, the country offers a diverse array of dishes that are both delicious and easy to make. For beginners, navigating the world of Filipino cuisine can seem daunting, but fear not – we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering Filipino recipes that are perfect for those just starting out. From classic comfort foods like Chicken Adobo and Beef Caldereta, to popular street food favorites like Lechon Kawali and Lumpiang Shanghai, our list has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, these easy-to-follow recipes will guide you through the preparation of each dish, ensuring that your taste buds are treated to a culinary adventure like no other. So sit back, relax, and get ready to savor the flavors of the Philippines!
Chicken Adobo
A staple dish from the Philippines, Chicken Adobo is a flavorful and aromatic stew made with chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves. This recipe yields tender and juicy chicken pieces in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup vinegar (apple cider or cane)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
2. Add the bay leaves and salt to taste.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Pancit Canton
Pancit Canton: A Delicious Filipino Noodle Dish
Pancit Canton is a popular Filipino noodle dish that combines the flavors of vegetables, meat or seafood, and noodles. This recipe makes a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pancit noodles
– 1/2 pound pork or chicken, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking wine or patis (fish sauce) for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cook the pancit noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced pork or chicken and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together.
7. Add cooking wine or patis to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sinigang na Baboy
Sinigang na Baboy is a popular Filipino dish that combines the sour taste of tamarind broth with the rich flavor of pork. This recipe is a simple and comforting take on this classic soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly or shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup tamarind broth (or 2 tablespoons tamarind paste mixed with 1 cup water)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and tomatoes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pork, water, tamarind broth, onion, garlic, and tomato. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes or until the pork is tender.
3. Add fish sauce (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and tomatoes if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Tinolang Manok
This hearty and comforting dish is a staple in many Filipino households. Tinolang Manok, or Chicken Ginger Stew, is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches ginger, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and steamed rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in water, fish sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Return chicken to pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice and garnished with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef Caldereta
A hearty beef stew originating from the Philippines, Beef Caldereta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add beef broth, water, tomato paste, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kare-Kare
This classic Nigerian stew is a flavorful blend of peanuts, vegetables, and meat or poultry, all simmered together in a rich peanut sauce. Kare-kare is often served at special occasions and is a staple of Yoruba cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup peanuts
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add beef or chicken; cook until browned.
3. Stir in peanuts, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add tomato paste and stir well. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add potatoes and carrot; simmer until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lechon Kawali
Lechon Kawali is a popular Filipino dish that involves deep-frying pork belly until crispy and golden brown. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of the Philippines to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine vinegar, water, garlic, black pepper, and salt. Add the pork belly and let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
3. Remove the pork belly from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Fry the pork belly until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Drain the lechon kawali on paper towels and serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bistek Tagalog
A classic Filipino dish, Bistek Tagalog is a sweet and savory beef steak marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. This recipe yields a flavorful and tender result.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and black pepper.
2. Add the beef steak and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Cook the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Arroz Caldo
A comforting Filipino chicken rice porridge perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups water or chicken broth
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons patis (fish sauce) or soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked and creamy.
3. Heat oil in a separate pan over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir cumin into the chicken mixture.
6. Combine cooked chicken and patis (or soy sauce) into the rice porridge. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Ginataang Kalabasa
Ginataang Kalabasa is a popular Filipino dish that showcases the creamy goodness of coconut milk paired with the sweet and slightly spicy flavor of squash. This comforting stew is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized kalabasa (yellow squash), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup ginataang sauce (or peanut butter)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened.
2. Add the squash cubes and cook until they start to soften (about 5 minutes).
3. Pour in coconut milk and ginataang sauce. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork Sisig
A twist on the classic Filipino dish, this Pork Sisig recipe combines crispy pork with a savory egg and chili pepper mixture.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped chili peppers (such as jalapeño or serrano)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the chili peppers to the pan and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable mixture in the pan. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
5. Add the crispy pork back into the pan and stir to combine with the egg mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Laing
Laing, a traditional Trinidadian dish, combines tender beef or chicken with a flavorful mixture of spices and vegetables. This spicy laing recipe is a twist on the classic, adding a kick from scotch bonnet peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef or chicken, cut into small pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (use gloves when handling)
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 cups chopped sweet potatoes
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, curry powder, and cumin. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Add beef or chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pinakbet
Pinakbet is a beloved Filipino dish that showcases the country’s love for vegetables and spices. This recipe brings together an assortment of colorful veggies, garlic, ginger, and patis (fish sauce) to create a flavorful and aromatic stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized eggplants, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium-sized squash, peeled and cubed
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as okra, bell peppers, and onions)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons patis (fish sauce)
– Salt to taste
– Cooking oil or vegetable oil for stir-frying
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the eggplants and squash; stir-fry until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomato and patis (fish sauce); season with salt to taste.
5. Continue stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice or enjoy as is.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lumpiang Shanghai
These bite-sized spring rolls are a staple in every Filipino gathering, filled with a delicious mix of vegetables and meat or seafood. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be making Lumpiang Shanghai like a pro!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen section)
– 1/2 cup of cooked chicken, beef, or pork
– 1/4 cup of chopped cabbage
– 1/4 cup of chopped carrots
– 1/4 cup of chopped bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling by mixing together cooked meat or seafood, chopped vegetables, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you.
3. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a compact cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes to prepare and fry all the spring rolls.
Champorado
Discover the sweet and savory flavors of Champorado, a popular Filipino breakfast dish made with chocolate rice porridge. This comforting treat is perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked Japanese rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– Salt to taste
– Sugar (optional)
– Banana slices or chopped fresh fruit (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Combine cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, evaporated milk, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan. Stir well.
4. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to desired consistency (about 10-15 minutes).
5. Taste and adjust sweetness with sugar if needed.
6. Serve hot, topped with banana slices or chopped fresh fruit if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turon
Turon is a popular Filipino snack made with saba (plantain) bananas, jackfruit, and a crispy egg roll wrapper. This sweet treat is perfect for any time of the day or as a quick dessert.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 saba bananas
– 1/2 cup jackfruit strips
– 1 package egg roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen section)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Peel the saba bananas and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the jackfruit strips and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. In a separate pan or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over high heat.
4. Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface and place 2-3 banana pieces and 1/4 cup of jackfruit in the center.
5. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Seal the edges with a little water or cornstarch mixture.
6. Fry the turon until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Bibingka
This classic Filipino dessert is a must-try during the holidays, especially on Christmas Eve when it’s traditionally served as a snack or dessert. Bibingka is a rice cake cooked in coconut milk and steamed to perfection, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of glutinous rice
– 1 cup of coconut milk
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1/2 cup of coconut strips or flaked coconut for topping
– 1/4 cup of butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, salt, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add the soaked glutinous rice and stir until well combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the mixture thickens and the rice is cooked.
4. Grease a steamer basket with butter and place the cooked rice mixture inside. Top with coconut strips or flaked coconut.
5. Steam over boiling water for 10-15 minutes or until the Bibingka is lightly browned on top.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Puto
A classic Filipino treat, Puto is a steamed rice cake that’s soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this sweet and savory delight at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil or butter for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer with 2 cups of water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
3. Add coconut milk and beaten egg to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
4. Grease a Puto mold or small cups with vegetable oil or butter.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
6. Steam for 15-20 minutes or until the Puto are cooked through and fluffy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pandesal
Pandesal is a traditional Filipino bread that’s soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. This simple recipe yields a delicious batch of pandesal perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten (optional for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, proof the yeast by mixing it with warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into long ropes.
7. Cut into small pieces and flatten slightly.
8. Brush with vegetable oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ube Halaya
Ube halaya, also known as purple yam jam, is a traditional Filipino dessert made from ube (purple yam), coconut milk, and sugar. This sweet and nutty spread is perfect for topping toast, waffles, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ube tubers, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine mashed ube, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns into a smooth jam-like consistency (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Discover the delicious world of Filipino cuisine with these easy and beginner-friendly recipes. From classic Chicken Adobo to comforting Arroz Caldo, and from savory Pork Sisig to sweet Turon, this list has something for everyone. With dishes like Pancit Canton, Sinigang na Baboy, and Tinolang Manok, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time. And don’t forget to try the sweet treats like Ube Halaya and Puto. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these 20 Filipino recipes are sure to please.