Are you craving the authentic taste of Filipino cuisine but don’t know where to start? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 15 mouth-watering Filipino appetizer recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you back home. Whether it’s a festive celebration, a casual gathering or even a solemn occasion, food plays a pivotal role in every Filipino get-together.
Known for its bold flavors, crispy textures and rich broths, Filipino cuisine is a true reflection of the country’s cultural heritage. From savory beef empanadas to sweet pork siomai, and from refreshing kinilaw to indulgent panara, these appetizers offer a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more. So, embark on this gastronomic adventure with us and discover the magic of Filipino cuisine!
Baked Filipino Beef Empañadas
A staple in many Latin countries and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Empañadas are a beloved part of Spanish cuisine. In its Filipino iteration, this flaky pastry treat takes on a unique flavor profile by filling it with a blend of ground meat, diced potatoes, carrots, green peas, and raisins. The secret to achieving that perfect golden-brown finish lies in brushing each empañada with an egg wash before baking.
Crispy Tenga
Indulge in the savory delight of tenga, a traditional Filipino snack that’s made even more mouthwatering by its unique ingredient – deep-fried pigs’ ears. The journey to this crispy treat may take some time, but the payoff is well worth the wait. To achieve the perfect texture, the recipe involves boiling and chilling the pork ears before frying them to a golden crisp.
When served with a tangy vinegar-based dip, accompanied by garlic and chili flavors, every bite becomes a harmonious fusion of savory and spicy notes.
Sisig
Savoring the flavors of the Philippines, sisig is a delectable and addictive appetizer that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This mouthwatering dish is made from succulent grilled pork belly, carefully seasoned with a harmonious blend of chili flakes, soy sauce, chili, and calamansi juice. Not only is sisig a staple at Filipino bar bites, often served during lively drinking sessions (inuman), but it also makes for a satisfying main course when paired with steamed rice.
Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or a full meal, sisig is sure to hit the spot.
Pork Siomai
Pork siomai, a beloved Filipino delicacy, harmoniously combines tender meat, crisp vegetables, delicate wonton wrappers, and savory seasonings. When served with chili garlic paste, soy sauce, and a squeeze of calamansi or lime, each bite is a masterclass in balanced flavors. The experience begins with a subtle saltiness, followed by a tangy kick, before culminating in a satisfying heat from the paste – a culinary symphony that will leave you craving more.
Chicharon Bulaklak
In the Philippines, a flavorful combination of pork intestines, bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic comes together to form crispy chicharon bulaklak, perfect as an appetizer or snack. When served with a tangy mixture of spicy vinegar, onions, and chilies, this dish is truly elevated.
The secret to achieving the ideal crunchiness in this Filipino delicacy lies in the initial boiling process.
To achieve optimal crispiness, it’s crucial to first boil the sliced pork intestines along with the aromatic spices, then refrigerate them for several hours before frying. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy final product.
Fried Calamari
Fried calamari, a quintessential Filipino appetizer, steals the show with its delectable combination of seasoned squid slices, flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. As it cooks, the seafood transforms into a crispy golden delight, begging to be paired with a rich dipping sauce like thick BBQ sauce.
Ukoy Na Togue
Indulge in the delightful Filipino vegetable fritters, boasting a satisfying crunch and crispy exterior. The filling is a clever combination of togue (bean sprout) and succulent shrimp, all wrapped up in a delicate batter that’s fried to a golden perfection. And here’s the best part – the recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with various vegetables like carrots, squash, or potatoes by adding or substituting them to create unique flavor profiles.
Serve these crispy fritters with a side of spicy vinegar garlic dip for an added layer of zest and a truly unforgettable snacking experience.
Lumpiang Togue (Mung Bean Sprouts Spring Rolls)
In the realm of Filipino cuisine, lumpiang togue, a mouthwatering appetizer, often gets overshadowed by its more popular cousin, egg rolls. However, this ultra-crispy and scrumptious treat is made from a unique combination of ingredients, including mung bean sprouts, pork strips, carrots, and green beans, all wrapped in traditional egg roll wrappers. The result is a savory delight that’s then deep-fried to a golden brown perfection.
If you’re looking for a pork-free alternative, simply substitute the ingredient with shrimp or tofu, offering endless options for this beloved snack.
Talong Bola Bola
If you’re new to vegetable meatballs, you might want to start with these eggplant-based meatballs. They’re also known as bola-bola and are a popular snack among Filipino kids during their school breaks. The addition of parmesan cheese gives them an extra layer of flavor and indulgence. Be sure to pair them with a creamy garlic aioli for the ultimate combination.
Dynamite Lumpia
Envision the harmonious union of green chili peppers, melted cheese, and savory ground pork, all nestled within a crispy lumpia wrapper that’s been expertly fried to a golden brown. It’s a culinary experience that will leave you exclaiming ‘OMG!’ in awe.
Dubbed ‘dynamite’ for its bold, spicy flavor profile, this finger food is a game-changer when paired with a creamy sriracha mayo dip – the perfect accompaniment to amplify the overall flavor experience.
Kinilaw (Filipino Ceviche)
The quintessential Filipino dining experience wouldn’t be the same without a refreshing serving of kinilaw, also affectionately referred to as ceviche. This beloved dish is often served as an appetizer, but its appeal extends far beyond the dinner table – it’s also a staple during casual gatherings and beer-drinking sessions, where it’s known as pulutan.
To craft this flavorful treat, combine sashimi-grade fish fillet with a medley of ingredients, including vinegar, sautéed onion, thinly sliced ginger, a squeeze of calamansi or lemon, a dash of chili pepper, and the tanginess of green tomatoes.
Crispy Bagbagis
When it comes to exploring the culinary delights of the Philippines, one dish that stands out is bagbagis – a delectable appetizer made from deep-fried pork intestines, dried bay leaves, salt, and peppercorn. The preparation process shares some similarities with crispy tenga, where you first need to boil the intestines in spices before cutting them into smaller pieces and then frying until crispy.
The end result is a heavenly treat that’s best enjoyed with a drizzle of spicy vinegar, fish sauce, or lechon sauce.
Panara (Deep-fried Shrimp Wonton)
Indulge in the delectable Panara, a Filipino delight that combines crispy deep-fried wontons filled with a medley of bottle gourd and succulent shrimp. The harmonious blend of flavors is elevated by the crunch of the wonton wrapper, making each bite a sensory experience. To take it to the next level, pair your Panara with a tangy dip such as vinegar or soy sauce, accompanied by the brightness of calamansi or the sweetness of banana ketchup.
Atchara (Filipino Pickled Papaya)
Atchara, a Filipino-style pickled papaya, is a flavorful and refreshing treat that combines the natural sweetness of green papaya with the tanginess of vinegar. The traditional recipe typically includes carrots and bell peppers, but feel free to get creative by adding other ingredients like jicama, onions, or chili pepper for an extra kick. The addition of cloves adds a warm and aromatic note to the dish, making it a perfect snack or appetizer.
Tokwa’t Baboy
Tokwa’t baboy, a popular Filipino dish, combines the words ‘tokwa’ meaning tofu or bean curd, and ‘baboy’ meaning pork. This versatile dish can be served in various ways, including as an appetizer, pulutan, main course, or side dish alongside lugaw or rice soup. The authentic recipe typically features seasoned pork belly and pig ears mixed with deep-fried tofu, offering a spicy kick. When served, it’s often accompanied by a tangy vinegar sauce that balances sweet and sour flavors.
With its rich flavor profile and varied serving options, Tokwa’t baboy is a must-try for those who enjoy Filipino cuisine.
The bottom line
Beneath their unassuming exterior, Filipino appetizers pack a flavorful punch that’s sure to win you over. They’re an excellent choice to kick off your meal, especially when hosting a gathering with a distinctly Filipino flair. But what’s truly impressive is their adaptability – these recipes can be enjoyed as a pulutan (hors d’oeuvre), served alongside steamed rice as the main event, or even presented as a side dish.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your next fiesta, take a look at our curated collection of 15 mouthwatering Filipino appetizers that are sure to impress.
