For many Filipino households, the heart of family meals is ulam. Ulam, which literally translates to ‘main dish’ in Filipino, creates a unique and exciting experience that brings families together.
From simple home-cooked meals to more elaborate dishes, ulam is a mainstay of Filipino cuisine. With the rise of budget-conscious meals, it can be difficult to know where to start.
To give you a helping hand, this blog post will provide a comprehensive list of Pinoy ulam ideas, a budget Pinoy ulam list, and a comprehensive list of Pinoy ulam.
With these tips and suggestions, we hope to inspire you to create delicious and budget-friendly ulam that the whole family can enjoy.
9 Pinoy ulam list for you whole family
1. Adobo
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Adobo is a classic dish in the Philippines that should be on any list of Pinoy ulam. It is a dish of marinated meat, fish, or vegetables that is simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
It can be cooked on the stove, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, making it a great budget-friendly option for a Pinoy ulam.
Adobo is typically served with steamed rice and can be made with a variety of proteins such as chicken, pork, or beef, making it a versatile dish that can easily please a crowd.
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Sinigang is an oft-overlooked Pinoy dish that is as flavorful as it is budget-friendly. It’s a type of sour soup that is usually made with pork, fish, or shrimp, although it can also be made with beef, chicken, or vegetables.
Ingredients like tamarind, kamias, and tomatoes give the soup its signature sour flavor. For those who like their soup on the sweeter side, adding a bit of sugar and calamansi helps to balance out the sourness.
It’s a great dish to make for large gatherings, as it is highly economical and can be easily customized to everyone’s taste.
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Kare-kare is a Pinoy classic that is both savory and hearty. The thick stew is made with oxtail or beef, vegetables, and a thick, creamy peanut sauce.
It’s usually served with shrimp paste or bagoong, which provides a salty kick. This popular dish is often included on special occasions.
Such as fiestas, birthdays, and weddings. Serve this with steamed white rice for a complete and budget-friendly Pinoy meal.
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Tinola is a popular Filipino dish consisting of chicken, ginger, garlic, onions, leeks, chili peppers, and fish sauce.
Tinola is an incredibly healthy dish, containing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it a good option for a budget-friendly meal.
This dish is also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, as the leeks, onions, and chili peppers provide a burst of flavor and health benefits. Tinola is a classic Filipino dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
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Number five on the list of Pinoy ulam ideas is Nilagang Baka. This beloved dish is a staple of Filipino cuisine and is best served during cooler months.
Nilagang Baka is a comforting beef stew that is slow-cooked, making it the ideal meal for a cold day. The beef, potatoes, and vegetables are cooked together with beef broth and a variety of spices to create a flavor-packed and nourishing meal.
Nilagang Baka is easy to make and can be budget-friendly, making it the perfect ulam for any occasion.
6. Lechon Kawali
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Lechon Kawali is a classic Filipino dish that is both delicious and budget-friendly. The dish is made by marinating pork belly in a mixture of garlic, bay leaves, and other spices. Then deep-frying it until it’s crispy and golden brown.
The result is a crunchy, succulent pork dish that is a popular choice for any gathering, whether it’s a birthday, a family reunion, or a fiesta. Lechon Kawali is a simple dish to prepare and is sure to be a hit with your guests.
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Crispy Pata is a classic Filipino dish that is sure to please. It is made by marinating pork leg in a brine mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
After marinating, the pork leg is boiled until tender, then deep fried until golden brown and crunchy. This delicious dish is usually served with a dipping sauce such as vinegar, soy sauce, or garlic-onion sauce.
Crispy Pata is a great option for any Pinoy ulam list, especially those looking for a budget-friendly meal.
8. Chicken Inasal
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Chicken Inasal is a classic Pinoy ulam that is popular around the country. The marinated chicken is cooked over charcoal, giving it a smoky, flavorful taste.
The chicken is usually served with a side of steamed white rice and a vinegar dipping sauce. It is a budget-friendly meal and is great for parties and gatherings. It is also an excellent source of protein and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
9. Bistek Tagalog
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Bistek Tagalog, commonly known as “beef steak”, is a classic Filipino dish that is easy to make, affordable, and delicious.
It usually consists of thinly sliced beef marinated in a citrus-soy sauce and then sautéed with onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
The result is a savory and tangy dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. It is a great choice for budget pinoy ulam due to its simple yet tasty ingredients.
It is also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried ulam.
Furthermore, this list of Pinoy ulam is an endless journey of flavors and dishes. From classic favorites like Adobo and Sinigang to the more contemporary Gising-gising and Sisig, there is something for everyone.
In addition, with some creativity, food lovers can explore a variety of Pinoy ulam to make a memorable meal. With minimal ingredients and budget-friendly options, anyone can enjoy a delicious Pinoy ulam without breaking the bank.
