Easy Filipino recipes can be turned into vegan-friendly recipes, believe it or not. We will take a look at Filipino-inspired recipes that can be good for the health.

It is not usual for Filipino to have appetizers, but since more and more people are discovering the country, people and businesses have learned to adapt to some Western customs. In view of this, here are my personal favorites which are also very popular among foodies! Take a journey with your palates with these easy Filipino recipes. Read on. 

Vegan Oven Fried Eggplants with Calamansi and Soy Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Eggplant
• 1 Egg
• ½ cup Flour
• ½ cup Bread Crumbs
• 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp. Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• Pinch of Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Non-stick organic baking spray

Sauce:

• 2 Calamansi or 3 tbsps. Lemon Juice
• Soy Sauce

Procedure:

• Firstly, start learning easy Filipino recipes with this dish. To start with, chop your eggplants in fries cut if you’re using American eggplant variety. Chop it in small thin circles for the Filipino eggplant variety. If you’re curious click here to learn more about eggplants.
• Then, mix egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Whisk for at least 1 minute.
• Afterward, dip your chopped eggplant into the egg mixture.
• Then, dip your egg mixture into breadcrumbs.
• Then, dip it in flour.
• Spray non-stick organic baking spray onto the pan.
• Then, prep your eggplant on your baking pan.
• Drizzle the olive oil generously.
• Bake for 10 minutes if Fries Cut. Bake for 5 minutes then flip the eggplant and bake for another 5 minutes for thin circle cut.

Sauce:

• Mix Soy sauce with 2 calamansi or 3 tbsps. Lemon juice in one small bowl.

Easy Filipino Recipes: Cheesy Fried Spring Rolls with Ground Beef

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound Ground Beef
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 small onion minced
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• ½ cup Water
• 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
• 4 cups bean sprouts
• 2 large potatoes (diced and peeled)
• Canola oil
• Butter
• Shredded mozzarella

Procedure:

• Firstly, season ½ pound ground beef with salt and pepper and leave overnight
• In a skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 tbsp. of melted butter. Add onions and garlic and cook until limp.
• Cook ground beef on sauteed garlic and onion for 2 minutes
• Add water and bring to boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is tender and liquid is absorbed.
• Add carrots and potatoes. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are halfway done.
• Then, add bean sprouts and cook, gently tossing to combine, for about 30 to 40 seconds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Immediately remove vegetable mixture from heat and drain in a colander. Refrigerate for a few minutes to completely cool.
• Then, separate wrappers into individual sheets. On a flat working surface, lay wrapper like a diamond.
• Spoon about 2 tbsps. of vegetable mixture and shredded mozzarella on the middle of the wrapper.
• Fold the bottom pointed end of wrapper over filling. Fold side ends of the sheet inward and roll tightly into a log.
• Wet the pointed edge of the wrapper with a dab of water to completely seal. Repeat with the remaining vegetable mixture.
• In a skillet over medium heat, heat about 2 inches deep of oil. Add spring rolls seam side down and fry, turning once or twice, for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
• Finally, remove from pan and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Serve immediately!

Filipino dishes are notorious for being high in calories and not vegan-friendly. However, it is possible to indulge without sacrificing your health and your philosophy. We got more easy Filipino recipes in this list.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• Chunks of half fresh Pineapple
• 2 – 3 cups of Steamed Rice
• 1 Egg (skip the egg if you are vegan)
• 2 tbsps. of Coconut Oil or enough to coat the bottom of the wok.
• 2 cloves chopped Garlic
• Soy sauce or Himalayan Sea Salt to taste (whichever you prefer)
• Cracked Pepper to taste
• Diced Green Onion (optional) or you can also use some Bean Sprouts

Procedure:

• Firstly, peel the pineapple, remove the tough center core. Chop half of the pineapple flesh in chunks and set aside.
• Then, beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
• In a large wok, put some coconut oil in and tilt it a bit so it coats the wok. Fry the beaten egg in it until it solidifies. When done take the egg out and set aside breaking the cooked eggs in pieces with a fork.
• Then, add another tbsp. of oil to the wok and fry the chopped garlic. Saute for about a minute.
• Add the cooked steam rice. Keep stirring just so the rice doesn’t stick into the wok, if you’re not using a non-stick one.
• Add the fried egg, the pineapple chunks, salt, and pepper or soy sauce to taste. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are well mixed together. 
• Afterward, remove from heat and scoop some in a pretty plate and enjoy!

Vegan LoMien (Vegan Pancit)

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• Lo-Mein Oriental noodles
• Chinese Broccoli, Bokchoy, kale or any green vegetable will do
• Shiitake Mushrooms or any mushroom will do
• Crushed garlic
• chopped onion
• crushed ginger (an inch is good)
• Tamari Soy Sauce – Use it to your liking!
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• You can put julienned carrots or red bell peppers for color and crunch if you wish.

Procedure:

• Firstly, soak or rinse the Asian noodles in hot water for a few minutes (putting them in a rolling boil of water is preferable). Then, pour the liquid out. Set aside.
• Further, put a bit of oil in a wok or large fry pan and saute the garlic, ginger, and onions until soft.
• Add in the mushrooms and stir for a few minutes until mushrooms are wilted.
• Add in the green vegetables and continue to stir.
• Then, when the greens are wilted, add the noodles. Stir until everything is mixed in and cooked.
• Finally, season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Best served with lemon wedges.

Easy Filipino Recipes: Jackfruit and Anchovies Cooked in Coconut Milk Recipe (Ginataang Langka and Daing)

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• 8 to 10 pieces Anchovies
• 1 Onion, peeled and chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 to 3 pieces Thai Chili Peppers, stemmed and minced
• 2 (16 ounces each) packages frozen green Jackfruit (Langka), thawed
• 1 tbsp. Fish Sauce
• 1 cup Coconut Milk
• 1 cup Coconut Cream
• Himalayan Salt and Pepper to taste

Procedure:

• Firstly, in a frying pan over medium heat, heat about 2 tbsps. oil. Add dried fish and lightly fry, turning once or twice as needed. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
• Afterward, in a pot over medium heat, heat about 1 tbsp. oil. Add onions, garlic and chili peppers and cook until limp and aromatic.
• Then add jackfruit and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
• After that, add coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes or until vegetable is tender and liquid is reduced.
• Then, Add coconut cream and stir to combine. Add dried fish. Continue to cook for about 7 to 10 minutes or until liquid is thickened and begins to render fat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
• Finally, serve with brown rice. 

Here are more easy Filipino recipes. 

Bicol Express

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. Canola Oil
• 1 Onion, peeled and chopped
• 6 cloves Garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 tbsps. Shrimp Paste
• 2 pounds Pork Belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups Coconut Milk
• 1 cup Coconut Cream
• 1 cup Water
• 14 pieces Thai Chili Peppers, stemmed and minced
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Procedure:

• Our listing of easy Filipino recipes include the Bicol Express. First, in a wide pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
• After that, add shrimp paste and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to brown.
• Then, gradually add pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
• After that, Add coconut milk and water and bring to a simmer. Further, cook for about 10 to 15 minutes or until liquid is reduced.
• Then, add coconut cream and chili peppers. Continue to cook for about 20 to 25 minutes or until pork is tender and sauce begins to render fat.
• Then, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
• Bicol Express is best served with brown rice.

Vegan Sausage (Vegan Longganisa)

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce dried Shiitake Mushrooms, soaked in warm water for at least 20 minutes, minced
• 5-8 pieces dried Porcini Mushrooms, soaked in warm water for at least 20 minutes, minced (optional)
• 6 ounces extra-firm Tofu, drained, pressed, crumbled (preferably super extra-firm, vacuum sealed tofu)
• ¼ cup organic Brown Sugar
• 3 Garlic cloves, peeled, crushed, and minced
• ¼ cup Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 tbsp. Coconut Vinegar
• 1-2 tbsp. Chili Oil (or sesame oil for non-spicy version)
• 2 tbsps. Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp. Pine Nuts (crushed) (optional)
• 1 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
• Drizzle of Maple Syrup
• Pinch of Black Pepper
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• 1 cup of Breadcrumbs (or more if needed) (check ingredients to make sure it’s vegan)
• 3 tbsps. refined Coconut Oil

Procedure:

• Firstly, using a bowl, mix all ingredients except for the last two ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
• Add breadcrumbs. Afterward, thoroughly combine everything using your hands so the breadcrumbs could soak up the moisture from the mixture.
• After that, set aside and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
• Then, taste mixture and adjust seasoning to taste.
• Still using your hands, form mixture into sausage links (or whatever shape you desire). Add more breadcrumbs if needed to firm up.
• Then, heat medium-sized pan over medium heat.
• Once hot enough, pour refined coconut oil and let it heat for a minute or two.
• Further, fry vegan sausages until all sides have nicely browned.
• Then, turn off heat and transfer sausages to a serving plate.
• Serve hot with your favorite starch on the side.

Easy Filipino Recipes: Time for Dessert

Filipinos are known for having sweet tooth, in fact, there are tons of desserts and delicacies which are mostly based on coconut milk or banana.

Here are two easy Filipino recipes of the dessert category:

Banana and Cream Cheese Chimichanga (Cheesy Turon)

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe Saba Bananas
• ½ cup Brown Sugar
• Cream Cheese
• 1 tbsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 16 Lumpia or Spring Roll Wrappers
• Vegetable or Canola Oil for frying

Procedure:

• Firstly, thaw lumpia or spring roll wrappers. Peel them apart so now to make preparing the turon easier.
• After that, shred cream cheese.
• Then, cut each saba banana into four pieces lengthwise. I find it easier to leave the skin on, cut the ends and cut into the four pieces before peeling the skin off each piece.
• Afterward, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
• Spread the mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Then, roll the banana slices in the brown sugar, making sure each piece is covered with a generous amount of sugar.
• Further, place a lumpia wrapper in front of you, then place a banana slice on the wrapper ⅔ of the way down. Add the shredded cream cheese along the length of the banana.
• Firstly, fold from the bottom up. We want to wrap it tightly.
• Next, fold the sides in and continue to roll up. Use some water to moisten the top inch before rolling it up completely.
• Finally, once you’ve rolled all the banana slices, dust the rolls with the remaining brown sugar and ground cinnamon mixture. This will give it a light glaze and a bigger crunch. Enjoy the cheesy turon. 

Cheddar Cheese Ice Cream Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Waiting time: 2 to 12 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 pcs. Egg
• 3 cups of Sugar
• 3 Evaporated Milk
• 2 cups of All-Purpose Cream
• 1 cup of Coconut Milk
• Vanilla Extract
• 250-gram pack cheddar cheese, slices

Procedure:

• Firstly, stir sugar, cream, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and eggs into a saucepan over low heat until sugar has dissolved.
• Simmer until thick then remove from heat.
• Then, put the cubed cheese into the cream mixture.
• Then, chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours remove and beat for 15 minutes or until the mixture has doubled.
• Stir in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

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