15+ Filipino Recipes to Savor and Share

Filipino cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors and textures that reflects the rich culture and history of the Philippines. Exploring Filipino recipes can open up a world of culinary delight, allowing you to create delicious meals that are perfect for any occasion. From classic dishes to modern twists, each recipe tells a story and invites you to connect with the ingredients.

Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned chef, making Filipino dishes can be both fun and rewarding. You’ll find a variety of ingredients that come together to create meals full of taste and tradition. As you dive into these recipes, you’ll discover how easy it is to bring the warmth of Filipino hospitality into your kitchen.

1) Chicken Adobo

Chicken Adobo is a popular dish from the Philippines that is both savory and tangy. It features chicken cooked in a marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. You can make it easily at home. This dish is known for its rich flavor and tender meat. It’s perfect when served with hot rice.

To start cooking, gather your ingredients. The combination of vinegar and soy sauce gives it a unique taste that many people enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• 1 tbsp cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves.
2. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken mixture and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve with rice.

2) Pancit Canton

Pancit Canton is a popular Filipino noodle dish. It features stir-fried egg noodles mixed with various vegetables and proteins. You can customize it with your favorite meats, like pork, shrimp, or chicken.

Common ingredients include carrots, green beans, and cabbage. You can also add seasonings such as soy sauce and oyster sauce for flavor. Each bite brings a savory taste that’s hard to resist.

This dish is often served during celebrations and gatherings. It’s a great way to bring family and friends together over a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) Pancit Canton noodles
• 1 cup sliced pork
• 1 cup shrimp
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup green beans, cut
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add pork and cook until browned.
4. Stir in shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
5. Add vegetables and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes.
6. Mix in noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
7. Cook until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.

3) Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali is a beloved Filipino dish featuring crispy fried pork belly. It’s known for its crunchy skin and tender meat, making it a favorite at gatherings.

To make Lechon Kawali, you start by boiling the pork belly until tender. After that, you deep-fry it until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy. The result is a tasty, crunchy dish.

You can enjoy Lechon Kawali with a dipping sauce like Mang Tomas or vinegar for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 kilo pork belly
• Water (enough to cover the meat)
• 3 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the pork belly in water with bay leaves and salt until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Remove from water and let it cool.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C).
4. Deep-fry the pork belly until the skin is crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels before serving.

4) Sinigang na Baboy

Sinigang na Baboy is a beloved Filipino dish. This sour soup features tender pork cooked with fresh vegetables. The unique sourness comes from tamarind, which gives it a special flavor that many people enjoy.

You can prepare this dish using various cuts of pork, like ribs or belly. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends on a cool day.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) pork belly or ribs
• 5 cups (1.2 L) water
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges
• 1.5 – 2 cups (360-480 mL) tamarind (or tamarind paste)
• Assorted vegetables (like spinach, radish, and eggplant)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add pork, onion, and tomato. Simmer until pork is tender (about 45 minutes).
3. Mix in tamarind and vegetables. Cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Enjoy!

5) Kare-Kare

Kare-Kare is a beloved Filipino dish known for its rich peanut sauce. You’ll often find it served with oxtail, tripe, and a variety of vegetables, making it hearty and satisfying.

The dish features tender, braised meats that pair well with its creamy sauce. Popular vegetables include eggplant, green beans, and banana hearts. It’s a comforting meal that brings people together.

Kare-Kare is typically enjoyed with a side of bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste, which adds an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds oxtail
• 1 pound beef tripe
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon annatto powder
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• Bagoong, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, boil oxtail and tripe in water until tender.
2. Remove meat and set aside, keeping the broth.
3. In a separate pan, sauté onion until soft.
4. Add peanut butter and annatto powder, mixing well.
5. Return the meat to the pan and add some broth.
6. Stir in vegetables and cook until tender.
7. Serve hot with bagoong on the side.

6) Bistek Tagalog

Bistek Tagalog is a classic Filipino dish made from tender slices of beef marinated in soy sauce and citrus juice. The addition of onions makes it rich in flavor and very satisfying.

To prepare, you should let the beef soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps ensure that it absorbs all the savory goodness.

After marinating, pan-sear the beef and then simmer it with onions until everything is cooked through. It’s often served with steamed rice, making it a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (sirloin or round)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup kalamansi juice or lemon juice
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Ground pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the beef thinly.
2. Mix the soy sauce, kalamansi juice, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Marinate the beef in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until soft.
5. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned.
6. Simmer until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
7. Serve over steamed rice.

7) Lumpiang Shanghai

Lumpiang Shanghai is a popular Filipino dish, known for its crispy texture and tasty filling. These spring rolls are often filled with ground pork, vegetables, and spices. They make a great appetizer or snack for any gathering.

To make Lumpiang Shanghai, you will need spring roll wrappers. These wrappers are thin and perfect for frying to a golden brown. The filling typically includes garlic, onions, carrots, and soy sauce for added flavor.

When you fry them, they turn out crunchy and delicious. Serve them with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce for the perfect combination.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Spring roll wrappers
• Cooking oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground pork, garlic, onion, carrot, and soy sauce.
2. Place a small amount of filling on a spring roll wrapper.
3. Roll it tightly and seal the edges with water.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the rolls until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

8) Ginataang Kalabasa

Ginataang Kalabasa is a delicious Filipino dish made with squash, shrimp, and long beans cooked in creamy coconut milk. It’s a comforting stew that warms you up and delights your taste buds.

To make this dish, you will need kalabasa (squash), sitaw (string beans), shrimp, and coconut milk. This combination creates a creamy and flavorful meal that pairs well with rice.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kalabasa (kabocha squash), cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 cup sitaw (long beans), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the squash and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the sitaw and shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turns pink.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve hot over rice.

9) Pinakbet

Pinakbet is a delicious Filipino vegetable stew. It features a mix of fresh vegetables like squash, eggplant, and okra. Pork adds a rich flavor, while shrimp paste gives it a unique taste.

To make pinakbet, you start by sautéing garlic and onions. Next, add pork and cook until tender. Then, toss in tomatoes, shrimp paste, and all the vegetables you have ready.

Let everything simmer together to blend the flavors. You can serve pinakbet with rice, making it a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork belly, cut into cubes
• 2 cups sliced eggplant
• 1 cup diced squash
• 1 cup okra, sliced
• 1 cup yard-long beans, cut into pieces
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
2. Add pork and cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomatoes and shrimp paste.
4. Then, add vegetables and a little water if needed.
5. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot with rice.

10) Pork Afritada

Pork Afritada is a delicious Filipino stew that you can easily prepare at home. It features tender pieces of pork cooked in a rich tomato sauce, which gives it a wonderful flavor. This dish often includes potatoes, carrots, and sometimes hotdogs for extra taste.

You can serve Pork Afritada with steamed rice. It makes a fantastic meal for family gatherings or special occasions. The combination of ingredients creates a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into cubes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium carrot, sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
3. Add pork and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and soy sauce.
5. Then, add potatoes and carrots. Simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add bell peppers and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

11) Arroz Caldo

Arroz Caldo is a comforting Filipino rice porridge made with chicken. It’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day or when you feel under the weather. This dish is often served with toppings like boiled eggs, scallions, and crispy garlic.

To make Arroz Caldo, you’ll need some basic ingredients that are easy to find. The dish uses glutinous rice, chicken, garlic, ginger, onions, and fish sauce to add flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice
• 1 pound chicken (preferably bone-in cuts)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Boiled eggs for topping
• Scallions for garnish
• Fried garlic for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté garlic, onions, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Then, add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the rice and let it toast for a minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft.
6. Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve hot, topped with boiled eggs, scallions, and fried garlic.

12) Puto with Cheese

Puto with cheese is a delightful Filipino treat. These steamed rice cakes are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. The addition of cheese makes them even more delicious.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, evaporated milk, eggs, butter, and grated cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup grated cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare a steamer and heat to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Then, add evaporated milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into molds, filling them halfway.
5. Add a spoonful of grated cheese on top.
6. Steam for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy your Puto with cheese!

13) Longanisa

Longanisa is a popular Filipino sausage known for its sweet and garlicky flavor. It’s often enjoyed for breakfast, paired with fried rice and eggs. Making longanisa at home is simple and rewarding.

To start, you will need ground pork, sugar, garlic, and some spices. You can experiment by adding different seasonings to suit your taste.

You’ll love how easy it is to cook. Simply fry or grill the sausages until they are browned and cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ lbs. ground pork
• 9 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 ¼ tablespoons coarse salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground pork, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and garlic.
2. Then, form the mixture into small sausages.
3. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate overnight.
4. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally.

14) Lomi

Lomi is a delicious Filipino noodle soup that is hearty and satisfying. It features thick egg noodles, meat, and vegetables in a rich broth. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting meal at home.

You can customize Lomi by adding your favorite proteins, such as chicken or pork. The thick texture of the noodles makes every bite filling and enjoyable. It’s a great way to warm up on a cool day.

Ingredients

• 8 oz thick egg noodles
• 1 lb chicken or pork, diced
• 1 cup vegetables (carrots, cabbage)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions and set aside.
2. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Then, add chicken or pork and cook until browned.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add the vegetables and soy sauce.
6. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in the cooked noodles and serve hot.

15) Dinuguan

Dinuguan is a traditional Filipino dish that many enjoy for its rich flavors. This stew is primarily made from pork and pig’s blood, giving it a unique taste. It’s also known as “chocolate meat” due to its color.

You can make Dinuguan using various cuts of pork, like pork belly or pork shoulder. The dish is seasoned with vinegar, garlic, and spices, which add depth to the flavor.

Dinuguan is often served with rice or puto, a type of steamed rice cake. It is a comforting dish that showcases the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs pork belly or pork shoulder
• 10 oz edible pork blood
• 2 cups chicken stock (or water)
• 1 cup cane vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until it is browned.
3. Stir in garlic and onion. Cook them until they are softened.
4. Pour in the chicken stock and vinegar, and bring it to a simmer.
5. Add the pork blood slowly while stirring.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and green chilies, if using.
7. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until it thickens.
8. Serve hot with rice or puto.