Discover the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines through its delicious side dishes, often overlooked but definitely worth trying.
From classic cheese to innovative fried rice and fresh tomato salad, these unique Filipino recipes are sure to elevate any meal. Diners from outside the Philippines may be unfamiliar with the flavors and ingredients commonly used in Filipino cuisine, which is a blend of Asian cultures.
Earthly Eggplant Delight for Breakfast or Dinner
Taking centre stage in many Filipino households, poqui poqui is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Traditionally, the ingredients are simple yet satisfying: eggplant forms the base, which is then complemented by sautéed onions, garlic, and eggs. Roma tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness, while salt and pepper bring out the natural flavours.
The resulting texture is tender and comforting, with an earthy undertone from the vegetables that’s perfectly balanced by the pungency of the garlic. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast or a satisfying dinner option, poqui poqui is sure to hit the spot, regardless of whether you serve it in the morning or evening.
Filipino Rice-Free Cheese Muffin Bites
Highlighting the distinct characteristics of puto, a traditional Filipino snack, it is clear that this treat stands out from its American counterpart. While many people are accustomed to making puto with rice, this recipe takes a more efficient approach by using all-purpose flour instead. This substitution not only saves time but also allows for a quicker preparation process, enabling you to produce 10 delicious treats in under 20 minutes.
To take your puto to the next level, top each one with a slice of your favorite cheese, elevating the flavor and texture of this already delightful snack.
Garlicky Filipino Fried Rice Delight
Obviously, my fondness for fried rice is well-documented. Its versatility and ability to be customized in countless ways make it an endlessly fascinating dish that never fails to tantalize my taste buds. While I’ve experimented with a multitude of variations over the years, garlic fried rice remains one of my absolute favorites – a true gastronomic delight that never gets old.
One of its many charms is the speed at which it can be prepared, requiring just 15 minutes and a few simple ingredients, including rice, garlic, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and scallions, to get it on the table. Adding an optional fried egg takes it to the next level, imbuing each bite with a richness that’s simply irresistible.
The key to its success lies in the harmony of flavors, particularly the pungency of the garlic and the subtle crunch of the scallions, which may seem like overkill at first but is actually essential to its appeal. In fact, I often find myself using more scallions than called for, so pronounced is my affection for their delicate flavor.
Crispy Shrimp Spring Rolls Recipe
Undoubtedly, lumpia have earned their place as one of the most beloved Filipino dishes worldwide. These incredible spring rolls boast the crispiest, crunchiest wraps giving way to warm, tender fillings that burst with flavor. The versatility of lumpia lies in its ability to be customized to suit individual tastes, and this recipe takes a classic approach by combining shrimp, pork, onion, celery, egg, carrot, and soy sauce within the filling.
As an added bonus, the accompanying instructions for creating the perfect dipping sauce elevate the overall experience. While many of the ingredients are readily available, some may raise an eyebrow at the inclusion of banana ketchup – a common component in traditional lumpia recipes. Fortunately, this condiment can be easily sourced from Amazon or Asian markets, and even some Walmart locations now carry the Jufran brand, making it more accessible than ever.
Quick Mushroom Adobo in 15 Minutes
Sprawling across the culinary landscape, these mushrooms are truly spectacular, and fortunately, aside from maybe the mushrooms themselves (baby portobellos), you probably have everything you need to make them already in your pantry.
With basic ingredients such as mushrooms, onions, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and a few peppercorns, you can whip these up in approximately 15 minutes, making it a fantastic vegetarian dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta, but I must confess. Even though they’re perfectly suitable for vegetarians, there’s no more delectable place for them than atop a massive, succulent steak.
Coconut Garnish for Sweet Treats
Virtually all desserts can benefit from the addition of latik, and its preparation is surprisingly straightforward. Typically, it serves as a topping rather than being eaten on its own, although this isn’t always the case. The term ‘garnish’ often applies to savory dishes, but latik’s use in sweet treats justifies its application here. Regardless of terminology, making latik requires minimal effort and ingredients: simply mix grated coconut with water.
Using a cheesecloth for straining can simplify the process even further. Once prepared, latik adds a distinctive toasted coconut flavor that elevates any dessert or sweet treat.
Filipino Breakfast Bread Rolls
Beyond being a staple in Filipino cuisine, pan de sal is indeed the quintessential bread roll of the Philippines. Its widespread presence at gatherings and family breakfasts speaks volumes about its popularity. The reasons are clear: these rolls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They possess a soft, fluffy texture and a pleasant sweetness that complements an assortment of spreads such as jam, marmalade, cheese, or peanut butter perfectly.
While many enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack, the truth is that they’re suitable for any meal of the day.
Cabbage Slaw Recipe That Converts Haters
Just like many people, I have a bit of a confession to make – I’m not a huge fan of traditional coleslaw recipes. However, this particular recipe has won me over and now it’s the one I always reach for whenever I need a quick side dish or topping for my favorite meals. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and makes a significant difference in flavor compared to other coleslaw recipes.
The key to its success lies in soaking the cabbage in warm water before mixing everything together, which breaks down some of the fibers making it tender and palatable. While I’m not sure if it’s entirely necessary, the addition of pineapple tidbits does seem to add a nice sweetness to balance out the flavors. Once you’ve prepared your cabbage, simply combine it with grated carrots, chopped pineapples, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
As an added bonus, this recipe requires minimal effort on your part, making it perfect for those busy days when time is of the essence. While some recipes suggest letting it chill for just 20 minutes, I find that at least an hour allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Green Papaya Condiment Recipe Variations
Evidently, Atchara is not typically consumed as a standalone dish, but rather as a condiment to elevate the flavors of various foods. The primary ingredient in this condiment is unripe, green papaya, which undergoes a pickling process involving vinegar, salt, sugar, and water. To add an extra layer of flavor, other ingredients such as carrots, bell peppers, and garlic are also included in the mix.
These additional components bring a complex taste profile to Atchara, characterized by sweet, spicy, and sour notes. As a result, it pairs exceptionally well with barbecue, but is also commonly used on sandwiches or served as a side dish accompanying heavy meats like sausage or ground beef.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Making a light and refreshing lunch doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply slice a cucumber, a red onion, and two plump tomatoes into thin pieces. Next, combine them with your preferred vinaigrette dressing and toss everything together. This quick and easy salad is a great way to enjoy a healthy, tasty meal in just 5 minutes.
