10+ Filipino Dinner Recipes to Savor with Family and Friends

Filipino cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors that can turn any dinner into a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something to impress guests, there are numerous Filipino dinner recipes that can help you create delicious meals. Discovering these recipes can bring a taste of the Philippines to your kitchen, making your dining experience both memorable and enjoyable.

From savory meat dishes to vibrant vegetable sides, Filipino recipes often highlight fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Engaging with these meals can not only satisfy your hunger but also introduce you to a rich culture through food.

So, get ready to explore some tasty Filipino dinner options that will elevate your cooking and please your palate.

Adobo

Adobo is a classic Filipino dish that many love for its rich flavors. You can prepare it with chicken, pork, or even vegetables. The key ingredients are soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.

To start, marinate your chosen meat in soy sauce and vinegar. This adds a wonderful tang and depth of flavor. After marinating, you will cook the meat until tender.

Let it simmer in the sauce so it absorbs all the delicious tastes. Don’t forget to add bay leaves and whole peppercorns to enhance the aroma. Serve it with rice for a perfect meal!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken or pork
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp whole peppercorns
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the meat in soy sauce and vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, add the marinated meat with the marinade, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
3. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
5. Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with rice.

2) Sinigang

Sinigang is a delicious and tangy Filipino soup you can enjoy any day of the week. It’s known for its sour flavor, usually coming from tamarind or other sour fruits. You can make it with pork, beef, or shrimp, making it very versatile.

To prepare this dish, gather some fresh vegetables like tomatoes, radish, and long beans. The broth is comforting and perfect for busy weeknights. If you want, you can use a slow cooker for an easy meal.

You can add greens like spinach or kangkong just before serving to keep them fresh. Serve sinigang hot, and enjoy it with steamed rice on the side for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork (or beef)
• 8 cups water
• 2 large tomatoes, quartered
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 1 cup long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 packet sinigang mix or fresh tamarind
• 1 cup spinach (or kangkong)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Add the pork and cook until tender.
3. Add tomatoes and onion, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in the sinigang mix and long beans.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add spinach just before serving.

3) Pancit Canton

Pancit Canton is a delicious Filipino noodle dish that you’ll love. It’s made with flour noodles and mixed with a variety of meats and vegetables. This dish is often served during celebrations and family gatherings.

To make Pancit Canton, you will need ingredients like pork, shrimp, carrots, and bell peppers. The combination of colors and flavors makes it festive and fun. You can enjoy it on birthdays, during holidays, or just for a cozy dinner at home.

Cooking Pancit Canton is simple. Start by sautéing your meat and vegetables. Then, add your noodles and sauce, letting everything cook together for a few minutes. The result is a tasty, savory dish that will please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Pancit Canton noodles
• 1 cup sliced pork
• 1 cup shrimp
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Sauté pork until browned.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Stir in carrots and bell peppers.
5. Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix in Pancit Canton noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4) Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino stew that you will enjoy making. It features tender oxtail and vegetables in a rich peanut sauce. The unique flavor of kare-kare makes it a perfect main dish for dinner.

You can serve kare-kare with plain white rice. To enhance the taste, pair it with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste. This combination will elevate your meal experience.

The vegetables commonly used include long green beans, eggplant, and banana heart. These ingredients together create a hearty and satisfying dish.

Cooking kare-kare may take time, but the result is worth it. It’s a dish often reserved for special occasions, making it a treat for family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs oxtail (about 900 g)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup annatto seeds or achiote oil
• 1 large eggplant, sliced
• 1 bunch long green beans
• 1 banana heart, sliced
• 3-4 cups water
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil oxtail in water until tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
2. Remove the oxtail and set it aside.
3. In a separate pot, sauté annatto seeds in oil to release color and flavor.
4. Add peanut butter and stir until well-mixed.
5. Add the cooked oxtail and vegetables, simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt to taste and serve hot with rice and bagoong.

5) Lechon

Lechon is a cherished dish in Filipino culture. It features a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and tender meat. This dish is often the star of fiestas and celebrations.

To prepare lechon, you need to season the pig well. Traditionally, it is filled with herbs, spices, and sometimes vegetables. The roasting process can take several hours, making it a labor of love.

The key is to ensure the skin gets crispy while keeping the meat juicy. Many enjoy lechon with a special sauce made from liver and spices, adding a savory touch.

Ingredients

• 1 whole pig (approximately 20-30 pounds)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Lemongrass
• Bay leaves
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and prepare the pig.
2. Rub salt and pepper all over the skin and inside the cavity.
3. Stuff the cavity with garlic, lemongrass, and bay leaves.
4. Skewer the pig and place it over a charcoal pit.
5. Roast for about 5-7 hours at 250°F (120°C), turning occasionally for even cooking.
6. Baste with cooking oil for crispy skin.

6) Bicol Express

Bicol Express is a popular Filipino dish known for its creamy texture and spicy kick. This pork stew is often enjoyed for dinner, served with steamed rice to balance the flavors.

The main ingredient is pork belly, which you can cook until tender. Coconut milk adds a rich creaminess, while chili peppers bring the heat. You will love how these ingredients come together.

To prepare, start by sautéing minced garlic, ginger, and chopped onions. Then, add the pork and cook it until browned. Pour in the coconut milk and let the flavors meld over low heat.

Make sure to adjust the spice according to your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork belly
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 2-3 chili peppers, sliced
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion until fragrant.
3. Add pork and cook until browned.
4. Pour in coconut milk and add chili peppers.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes until tender.

7) Chicken Inasal

Chicken Inasal is a popular Filipino dish known for its smoky flavor and juicy texture. This grilled chicken is marinated in a mix of vinegar, calamansi, lemongrass, and spices. The marinade gives it a unique taste that you will love.

To cook Chicken Inasal, you can use a grill or an oven. The key is to baste the chicken with flavorful oil as it cooks, adding even more taste. Serve it hot with steamed rice and a side of dipping sauce.

It’s perfect for gatherings or a delicious dinner at home. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or legs
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup calamansi juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix vinegar, calamansi juice, soy sauce, garlic, lemongrass, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken, marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C).
4. Grill chicken for 25-30 minutes, basting with marinade.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve with rice and enjoy!

8) Sisig

Sisig is a delicious Filipino dish that originated in Pampanga. It’s made from finely chopped pork, usually including parts like the face and ears. Over time, many variations using different ingredients have become popular.

You can enjoy sisig as an appetizer or a main dish. It’s often served sizzling on a hot plate, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

The flavors are savory and slightly tangy, often enhanced with lime and onions. Adding chilies gives it a nice kick, perfect for those who love spicy food.

Ingredients

• Pork belly or pig face
• Pork ears
• Chicken liver
• Red onion
• Chili peppers
• Lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pork belly and ears for 1 hour until tender.
2. Drain and chop the meat into small pieces.
3. Sauté onions and chilies in a pan.
4. Add the chopped meat and season with soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot on a sizzling plate.

9) Laing

Laing is a delicious Filipino dish from the Bicol region. It features dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, giving it a creamy and rich flavor. You can spice it up with chili peppers for a little heat.

You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. This dish combines simple ingredients to create something truly comforting. Laing can be served as a main dish or a side, and it pairs well with rice.

Using dried taro leaves is key, but fresh ones can work too. The dish highlights coconut milk, which adds a nutty flavor that complements the taro.

Ingredients

• 100 grams dried taro leaves (dahon ng gabi)
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 2-3 red chili peppers
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the dried taro leaves thoroughly.

In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

3. Add coconut milk and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. Stir in the taro leaves and chili peppers.
5. Season with salt. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until cooked.

10) Pinakbet

Pinakbet is a delicious Filipino vegetable stew that comes from the Ilocos region. It is known for its mix of fresh, local vegetables, like bitter melon, eggplant, and string beans. You can also add pork belly for extra flavor.

This dish is typically cooked with garlic, onions, and tomatoes. The vegetables are simmered until tender, soaking up all the savory goodness of the seasonings. You can find Pinakbet at many Filipino gatherings.

To make it even more special, some people add crispy pork, known as bagnet. This gives the dish a nice crunch and texture.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 5 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 1 plum tomato, finely diced
• 1/2 kilo pork belly, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bitter melon, sliced
• 1 cup eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup string beans, cut into lengths
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Sauté garlic and shallots until they become fragrant.
3. Add the pork belly and cook until it turns brown.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
5. Add the bitter melon, eggplant, and string beans.
6. Pour in water and season with salt and pepper.
7. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Check if the vegetables are tender.