How to Cook Authentic Dishes from the Philippines at Home

Craving a taste of the Philippines? Whether you’ve traveled to the archipelago and fallen in love with its flavors or are curious about exploring a new cuisine, Filipino food is a delicious adventure worth embarking on. The best part? You can recreate these authentic dishes in your own kitchen! With bold flavors, unique ingredients, and heartwarming recipes, Filipino cuisine is all about comfort and joy.

Here’s how to get started cooking authentic Filipino dishes at home.

1. Stock Up on Essential Filipino Ingredients

Filipino cuisine relies on a unique mix of ingredients that make its flavors stand out. Here are some pantry staples you’ll want to have:

• Soy Sauce and Vinegar: The foundation of many savory dishes like adobo.

• Fish Sauce (Patis): Adds depth and umami to soups and sautéed dishes.

• Calamansi: A citrus fruit that’s similar to lime but more aromatic. Substitute with lime if unavailable.

• Banana Ketchup: A sweet and tangy condiment unique to Filipino cuisine.

• Coconut Milk (Gata): Key for creamy dishes like ginataang kalabasa.

Many Asian grocery stores carry Filipino ingredients, or you can shop online for convenience. Find authentic Filipino pantry staples here.

2. Start with Classic Filipino Recipes

If you’re new to Filipino cooking, these dishes are perfect for beginners and guaranteed crowd-pleasers:

Chicken (or Pork) Adobo

This iconic dish is a savory-sour delight made with chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. Serve it over steamed rice for a comforting meal.

Quick Recipe:

1. Marinate chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and pepper.

2. Sauté the marinated chicken, then simmer until tender.

3. Reduce the sauce to a rich glaze and serve hot.

Use coconut vinegar for a more authentic flavor. Shop cooking essentials for adobo here.

Pancit Canton

A noodle dish that’s always a hit at parties, pancit canton is quick to make and endlessly customizable with your choice of meat and vegetables.

Quick Recipe:

1. Sauté garlic, onion, and your choice of meat or seafood.

2. Add vegetables like carrots and cabbage, then stir in cooked canton noodles.

3. Toss with soy sauce and seasonings for a flavorful finish.

Try adding calamansi juice for a zesty kick. Get fresh noodle kits here.

3. Explore Regional Specialties

The Philippines’ rich culinary heritage varies by region, so there’s always something new to try. Here are a few regional highlights:

• Bicol Express: A spicy pork dish simmered in coconut milk with chili peppers.

• Kare-Kare: A peanut-based oxtail stew often served with shrimp paste (bagoong).

• Lechon Kawali: Crispy fried pork belly that’s perfect for celebrations.

Pair these dishes with steamed jasmine rice or sinangag (garlic fried rice). Shop regional ingredients here.

4. Make Dessert the Filipino Way

No Filipino meal is complete without something sweet. Try these beloved desserts:

• Halo-Halo: A refreshing mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruit, and leche flan.

• Bibingka: A soft rice cake traditionally baked in banana leaves.

• Turon: Fried banana spring rolls drizzled with caramel.

Invest in a good ice shaver or rice flour for authentic textures. Find dessert-making tools here.

5. Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic is a staple in Filipino cooking, used generously in sautéing and marinades.

• Balance Sweet and Savory: Many Filipino dishes have a hint of sweetness, so don’t shy away from sugar or banana ketchup.

• Taste as You Go: Flavors like sourness (vinegar) and saltiness (fish sauce) can be adjusted to your preference.

Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to tweak recipes to suit your taste. Explore beginner-friendly Filipino cookbooks here.

Cooking authentic Filipino dishes at home is more than just making a meal; it’s about celebrating a rich culture and bringing loved ones together. With the right ingredients, tools, and a sense of adventure, you can create a little slice of the Philippines in your own kitchen. Kain na (let’s eat)!