Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of Filipino cuisine, where every meal is a celebration of culture and community. At the heart of this culinary tradition lies the humble ulam recipe – a staple that brings people together around the table. With its rich tapestry of comforting stews, sizzling stir-fries, and savory dishes, ulam is more than just a meal, it’s an experience that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul.
Join us on this gastronomic journey as we delve into the best Filipino ulam recipes, each one a masterclass in balancing bold flavors, textures, and cultural influences. Let these mouthwatering dishes transport you to the bustling streets of the Philippines, where every bite is a testament to the country’s unique culinary heritage. Get ready to indulge your senses and discover why Filipino cuisine is a true delight for the palate.
Ukoy na Togue
Ukoy na Togue, a quintessential Filipino snack, tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of crunchy bean sprouts, sweet carrots, and succulent shrimp. When served fresh from the fryer, accompanied by a zesty vinegar dip, this delectable treat truly shines. What sets Ukoy na Togue apart is its ease of preparation and the umami flavor profile that will leave you craving for more.
With expert tips on achieving the perfect crispiness and a recommended frying temperature, this recipe ensures a delightful and satisfying experience. As a testament to the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine, Ukoy na Togue makes for an excellent appetizer or snack that is sure to please.
Adobong Pusit
In the culinary world of the Philippines, Adobong Pusit is a beloved squid dish that never fails to tantalize the taste buds. This delectable creation is a masterclass in balance, as tender chunks of squid are carefully cooked in a savory mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. The aroma of sautéed garlic, onions, and tomatoes wafts through the air, transporting anyone who takes a bite to a nostalgic realm where memories are made.
With its rich flavor profile and satisfying texture, it’s no wonder this dish has earned its place as a staple in Filipino cuisine. To achieve the perfect Adobong Pusit, small to medium-sized squids are recommended, as they provide an explosion of flavor with each bite. The key to success lies in mastering the art of cooking the squid just right – allowing it to retain its tender texture while absorbing the bold flavors of the adobo.
So go ahead, give this quick and easy recipe a try, and experience for yourself why Adobong Pusit remains a beloved favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Pininyahang Manok with Evaporated Milk
Pininyahang Manok, a beloved Filipino dish, brings together the harmonious flavors of chicken, pineapple, and evaporated milk in a rich tapestry of taste. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs the sweetness of pineapple juice, yielding a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes. The addition of evaporated milk lends a luxurious and creamy texture to the dish, elevating it to new heights.
This classic recipe also incorporates traditional stew ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers, along with long green chilies for an added depth of aroma. When served with warm rice, Pininyahang Manok transforms into a comforting and satisfying meal option that’s sure to become a staple in any household.
Shrimp Adobo with Coconut Milk
Shrimp Adobo with Coconut Milk offers a harmonious blend of tender shrimp, tangy adobo sauce, and velvety coconut milk, characteristic of traditional Filipino cooking. This delectable ulam recipe is effortless to prepare and perfectly complemented by steamed rice. The incorporation of coconut milk elevates the dish’s depth and richness, making it an incredibly satisfying culinary experience that celebrates the bold flavors of Philippine cuisine.
Filipino Humba
Savory and aromatic, Filipino Humba is a mouthwatering dish that showcases the rich flavors of pork belly, pineapple, black beans, and green onions. With its sweet and salty sauce adding a depth of flavor, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to dive into the bold and authentic taste of Filipino cuisine. While it shares similarities with pork adobo, Humba’s unique twist sets it apart as a must-try culinary experience.
Lumpiang Sariwa
Innovative and nutritious, Lumpiang Sariwa reimagines traditional spring rolls by swapping deep-frying for fresh, wholesome ingredients. This unique Filipino dish combines sautéed vegetables like green papaya, carrots, and jicama with optional protein sources such as chicken or tofu, all wrapped in delicate pancakes.
The pièce de résistance is the crunchy peanut topping and drizzle of sweet garlic soy sauce, which harmoniously balance to create a mouthwatering experience that embodies the bold flavors of Filipino cuisine.
Pinangat na Pompano
Tender and juicy Pompano, cooked in a rich and tangy tomato and tamarind sauce, makes for a mouthwatering Filipino dish. The buttery flesh of the fish is perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of the broth, creating a harmonious union that will delight the senses. This one-pan wonder is an effortless culinary masterpiece, sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with fluffy steamed rice for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Bringhe
In the heart of Filipino cuisine lies Bringhe, a mouthwatering paella-style dish that combines glutinous rice with succulent chicken, spicy chorizo de bilbao, vibrant vegetables, and rich coconut milk. This satisfying one-pot meal is perfect for both special celebrations and quick weeknight meals. Its unique flavor profile and golden hue are attributed to the strategic use of turmeric powder, which originates from Pampanga.
For a truly authentic experience, serve Bringhe alongside other local favorites and make sure to handle any leftovers with care to maintain food safety.
Filipino-style Lasagna
Indulge in the rich flavors of Filipino-style Lasagna, a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special gatherings or everyday feasts. This beloved recipe combines tender lasagna noodles with chunky meat sauce, velvety bechamel, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The twist? A delightful fusion of hot dogs and sweet banana catsup flavor, adding an unexpected layer of depth and excitement to this classic comfort food.
Serve it alongside warm pandesal or garlic bread, paired with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and filling meal experience.
Ginataang Kalabasa At Sitaw
In the heart of Filipino cuisine lies a hidden gem – Ginataang Kalabasa At Sitaw, a culinary masterpiece that harmoniously blends the natural sweetness of squash and string beans with the richness of coconut milk. This vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of traditional cooking methods, as it requires minimal effort yet yields maximum flavor.
The tender squash and crunchy string beans are elevated by the subtle nuances of black pepper and patis, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that culminates in a satisfying and heavenly meal. Best served with a warm bowl of rice, Ginataang Kalabasa At Sitaw is an ode to the country’s rich culinary heritage, guaranteed to leave even the most discerning palates craving for more.
Salmon Fillet Paksiw Sa Gata
In the heart of Filipino cuisine, a culinary gem lies in wait – Salmon Fillet Paksiw Sa Gata, a dish that harmoniously blends tender salmon fillets with a rich, tangy, and creamy sauce. The symphony of flavors is achieved through a perfect balance of vinegar’s pungency and coconut milk’s velvety texture, resulting in an unforgettable taste experience.
For those who relish the bold flavor of salmon and appreciate the traditional Filipino cooking method of Paksiw, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Pineapple Chicken Afritada
Pineapple Chicken Afritada is a delectable fusion of flavors, reimagining the traditional Filipino stew. This mouthwatering dish harmoniously blends tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and a luscious tomato sauce infused with the subtle sweetness of pineapples. The pineapple juice brings an unexpected depth to the savory elements, creating a delightful balance that leaves you craving for more.
A hearty and satisfying meal, it pairs exquisitely with steamed rice, making it a perfect ulam option.
Chicken Mami
Chicken Mami, a quintessential Filipino comfort food, boasts a rich and satisfying flavor profile despite its simplicity. The foundation of the dish lies in a harmonious blend of chicken broth and water, seasoned with a pinch of salt to elevate the overall taste experience. The inclusion of bone-in chicken pieces adds a layer of complexity to the soup’s flavor dynamics. While noodles can be either fresh or dried, the toppings are where the real creativity comes into play.
A medley of julienne carrots, cabbage, boiled eggs, scallions, and an abundance of crispy-fried garlic combine to create a visually appealing and mouthwatering presentation. In essence, Chicken Mami is a dish that effortlessly strikes a balance between comfort and customization, making it the perfect choice for a filling meal.
Chicken Tinola
In the heart of every Filipino home, there’s a warm and inviting comfort food that embodies the essence of love and care – Chicken Tinola. This mouthwatering dish is a masterclass in harmonious flavors, combining tender chicken pieces with an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s a recipe that will envelop you in its warmth on a cozy day, much like snuggling up under a soft blanket.
At the core of this flavorful Filipino ulam recipe lies marinated chicken wings and drummettes cooked to perfection in a savory broth infused with fish sauce, onions, garlic, and ginger. To add an extra layer of freshness and nutrition, Chayote, spinach, and moringa leaves make their way into the dish. With its comforting essence and nourishing ingredients, Chicken Tinola is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking to experience the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines.
Bicol Express
Bicol Express, a beloved Filipino dish, stands out for its harmonious blend of rich flavors. The synergy between tender pork belly, coconut milk, chili peppers, and pungent shrimp paste results in a delightful balance of sweetness and heat. As a creamy stew, it’s an ideal comfort food for chilly days, offering a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Both the traditional pork-based version and the seafood variation are must-try recipes that highlight the unique charm of Filipino cuisine.
Pork Pochero
In the heart of Filipino cuisine lies a dish that embodies the perfect harmony of flavors and textures: Pork Pochero. This mouthwatering stew is characterized by the tender chunks of pork, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of plantain bananas, crunch of carrots, and earthiness of other vegetables. The addition of tangy tomato sauce brings a delightful balance to this rich and satisfying dish.
Taking it up a notch are the nutrient-rich bok choi and chickpeas, making Pork Pochero a well-rounded meal option. Serve it with steamed rice for a match made in heaven that will surely satisfy even the most discerning pork enthusiasts.
Giniling na Baboy
Giniling na Baboy, a beloved Filipino stew, brings together an array of flavors and textures in every spoonful. The dish is made with ground pork, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, raisins, and fresh tomatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations. What’s more, Giniling na Baboy is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only simple and affordable ingredients.
Its versatility shines through as it can be served alongside steamed rice or used as a filling in sandwiches, omelets, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. This comforting ulam is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Homemade Pork Tocino
Homemade Pork Tocino, a quintessential Filipino dish, boasts a harmonious balance of sweet, garlicky, and savory flavors. When served with sunny-side-up eggs and garlic fried rice, it makes for a satisfying all-day breakfast. The recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity, relying on pantry staples and free from added preservatives. To prepare the meat, it’s marinated in a blend of salt, sugar, garlic powder, and pepper, allowing for tenderization with pineapple juice, anise wine, or vinegar.
This versatile dish can be cooked to perfection via stovetop, grill, or oven. With its mouthwatering taste and effortless preparation, Homemade Pork Tocino is an absolute must-try for any Filipino food enthusiast.
