Filipino-style barbecue is an absolute delight. With its sweet, smoky flavor, it’s no wonder why this style of cooking has become so popular in the US and around the world.
But what to serve with Filipino bbq? Here are some creative ideas that can take your Filipino BBQ meal to the next level!
Here are the 30 best things to serve with Filipino BBQ. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for something delicious to accompany your grilled meats, these sides are sure to please.
In short - what to serve with Filipino bbq Grilled vegetables, Fried Rice, Mango salad, Vegetables Salad, Fruit Skewers, Pickles, Kamote Fries, Puto, Bagoong, Turon, Ube Halaya, Buko Pandan, Halo-halo
30 Amazing sides to serve with Filipino bBQ
1. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables go excellent with filipino bbq. They are an excellent way to add some freshness and crunch to your meal. Try grilling bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms for a colorful medley of flavors.
You can season them with olive oil, salt and pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like before throwing them on the grill. They will be ready in just minutes!
Also Read: Great Vegetarian Sides to Serve with Roasted Potatoes
2. Fried Rice
Fried rice is another classic Filipino side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecued meats. Start by sautéing garlic and onion in a pan for a few minutes until they begin to brown, then add cooked long-grain white rice.
To make it even better, use jasmine or sticky rice so that it’s extra flavorful and fragrant. Then add in your favorite vegetables (like carrots, peas, and bell peppers) as well as some cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
Add soy sauce and stir everything together until it’s evenly distributed throughout the rice. Finally, crack an egg into the center of the pan and constantly stir until everything is evenly cooked. This fried rice can be served hot or cold as a side dish or entree!
3. Mango Salad
Mango Salad pairs well with Filipino bbq. This refreshing salad is perfect for cutting through all that barbecued richness! Cut two ripe mangoes into cubes (or slices if you prefer) and place them in a bowl with sliced red onion and chopped cilantro leaves.
Drizzle lime juice overtop, season with salt & pepper, and toss everything together until combined. This sweet-and-savory salad makes for a light yet flavorful accompaniment to any barbecued meal!
4. Vegetable Salad
Vegetable salads eat well with filipino bbq. They are always a great side dish to have on the table. You can keep it simple with just lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions or get more creative by adding herbs (like cilantro).
Be sure to top off the salad with a homemade vinaigrette dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt & pepper.
Know More: Carbonara Salad Pairing
5. Fruit Skewers
For something light and refreshing, you can try some fresh fruit skewers. They are excellent to serve with filipino bbq. To prepare, start by threading cubes of pineapple onto bamboo skewers, then brush them lightly with olive oil mixed with honey.
Grill until lightly charred, then serve alongside your Filipino BBQ feast! You can also use other fruits like watermelon, apples or oranges for variety.
6. Pickle
Pickle is a classic side to serve with filipino bbq. Adding papaya and carrot will bring out the sweet and sour taste that helps to balance out the heavier flavors of the BBQ.
Also, traditional pickles made up of cucumber, and carrots will add zingy flavor to any dish—try serving them alongside barbecued ribs for maximum impact!
7. Kamote Fries
Just like me, you can add kamote fries that go perfectly with your filipino bbq. They are crispy yet soft on the inside, and these are perfect for soaking up all the delicious marinade made from soy sauce and spices used in many barbecue recipes – give it a try next time you cook some up!
8. Puto (Steamed Rice Cake)
A popular snack in the Philippines that eat well with Filipino bbq. These steamed rice cakes come in different flavors, such as purple yam and cheese.
They are delicious when served alongside savory grilled dishes like pork BBQ skewers or lechon kawali.
9. Bagoong (Fermented Shrimp Paste)
Bagoong is a salty-sweet condiment that is perfect for adding instant flavor to any grilled dish, including Filipino bbq. They go excellent with meats that have been marinated in soy sauce and spices.
10. Turon (Banana Fritters)
Turon goes excellent with Filipino bbq. It is a classic dessert that is often served with ice cream or sugar syrup – it’s great for ending your meal on a sweet note after enjoying some savory barbecued dishes. Enjoy!
11. Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)
A popular topping for desserts such as puto, ube halaya is made from boiled purple yam and sugar – it’s a great way to add some sweetness to any Filipino BBQ!
12. Buko Pandan (Young Coconut & Pandan Leaves)
Buko Pandan is the perfect companion for filipino bbq. It is a light dessert is a popular way to end a meal in the Philippines – young coconut, pandan leaves, and condensed milk are mixed together with water and sugar to create this unique treat.
13. Halo-Halo (Mixed Fruit & Sweet Treats)
Halo-Halo pairs well with filipino bbq. It is the ultimate summer snack; halo-halo consists of various chopped fruits, sweet rice cakes, ice cream, and other goodies, all stuffed into one cup! It’s delicious when served after indulging in barbecued dishes like chicken BBQ or pork belly.
14. BBQ Skewers
Not all Filipino barbecues involve grills – skewered meats such as pork, chicken, and beef are a scrumptious way to enjoy your favorite grilled dishes without the hassle of a barbecue!
Know More: Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Chicken Wings
15. Turon Saging (Fried Banana Rolls)
Fried banana rolls are excellent to serve with filipino bbq. They make for an excellent snack or dessert – they’re easy to make and can be filled with ube halaya, cheese, chocolate syrup, or just about anything you can dream up! Enjoy these treats at your next Filipino barbecue.
16. Vinegar-Based Condiments
Many Filipino BBQ dishes are spiced with garlic, ginger, onions, peppers, or other seasonings. But my favorite one is vinegar-based condiments like atchara and patis, as they provide a nice contrast to this complexity.
17. Lumpia
A crunchy spring roll filled with beef or pork, lumpia is a classic dish that pairs perfectly with Filipino bbq thanks to its savory-sweet flavor combo.
18. Sliced Tomatoes & Onions
To lighten up and add freshness to the meal, try serving slices of tomatoes and onions on the side—they’re an essential part of many Filipino BBQ dishes!
19. Bananas
Bananas are often served as an accompaniment to richer meats like lechon kawali (pork belly) because they can help cut the fattiness of heavier dishes by providing natural sweetness.
20. Lato (Seaweed) Salad
Lato is a popular salad that goes well with filipino bbq. They are made from dried seaweed, providing a briny contrast perfect for balancing out rich grilled meats such as carne asada or lechon kawali (roasted pork belly).
21. Steamed Vegetables & Shrimp Paste Dip
For something different, I tried steaming vegetables such as bok choy or snow peas before dipping them into shrimp paste dip—the savory-spicy flavor combines well with practically any kind of grilled meat!
22. Grilled Pineapple Chunks
If you love pineapple chunks like me, you can serve it with filipino bbq. Grilling these pieces of fruit gives it an even sweeter taste that goes perfectly with any type of barbecued meat dish!
23. Coconut Cream Sauce
Coconut cream sauce is excellent when drizzled over pork barbecue skewers or mixed with greens for an extra burst of flavor in your salads!
24. Mashed Plantain
Another classic dish found in many Filipino households is mashed plantain – enjoy it best when served warm alongside your favorite grilled proteins!
25. Baked Beans
Baked beans go excellent with Filipino bbq. It is a classic accompaniment for any type of barbecue; these beans are sure to please.
26. Vegetable Skewers
The smoky flavor of the BBQ pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables cooked on a skewer.
27. Grilled Eggplant Salad
A flavorful eggplant salad makes a great partner for the rich flavors of Filipino BBQ.
28. Pinakbet
Pinakbet is a traditional vegetable dish made with tomatoes, eggplants, okra and other vegetables and spices.
29. Coleslaw
Sweet, tangy coleslaw is the perfect topping for any barbecued meat or poultry dishes.
30. Sizzling Sisig
Sizzling Sisig is excellent to serve with filipino bbq. The sizzling mix of pork, chicken, onions and spices makes a hearty accompaniment to Filipino-style barbecue meals.
More- 8 Great Vegetarian Sides to Serve with Roasted Potatoes
What are the best flavors to go with Filipino bbq?
The great thing about Filipino BBQ is that it pairs well with a variety of flavors. Some of the best flavors to pair with Filipino BBQ include garlic, onion, soy sauce, fish sauce, bay leaves, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, and chili peppers.
A combination of these spices will bring out the natural sweetness and smoky flavor in your grilled meats.
You can also add fruit-based sauces or glazes, such as pineapple juice or mango puree, for a hint of tartness and sweetness.
Additionally, you can play around with different marinades like citrus juices or coconut milk to tenderize and flavor your meats before grilling.
Depending upon your choice, you can consider adding a generous helping of chopped onions and garlic to your Filipino BBQ to help bring out the flavor of grilled meats. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or finely chopped chili peppers can add the perfect amount of heat and zing to your Filipino BBQ dishes.
How do you jazz up Filipino bbq?
To jazz up your Filipino BBQ, start by marinating the meat in flavorful ingredients. You can use a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger for an umami-rich marinade. Let the meat sit overnight for maximum flavor. When you’re ready to cook, be sure to baste the meat with a brush, so it stays juicy and tender.
For an extra kick, you can also add some chili flakes or Sriracha to your marinade.
If you want to put more zest into your dishes, consider adding some fruits like mangos or pineapples as toppings for your BBQ. Their sweetness will bring out a delicious contrast against the savory flavors of the meat.
You can also add a side of pickled vegetables to your BBQ for more texture and flavor. Pickling vegetables is easy- all you need to do is mix together equal parts vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Let the vegetables sit in the mixture overnight, and enjoy!
Finally, don’t forget to incorporate herbs into your meal! Fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, and basil are great additions that will give your Filipino BBQ extra layers of complexity. You can add them as toppings or incorporate them into the marinade itself.
How should Filipino bbq be served?
Filipino barbecue is best served with steamed rice, a side of atchara (pickled papaya slaw), and some sukang or vinegar dipping sauce. It’s also common to serve it with a selection of condiments such as chopped onions, tomatoes, and various sauces like banana ketchup or spiced vinegar.
Other accompaniments could include boiled eggs, fried tofu, ensaladang talong (eggplant salad) or even a spicy sisig dish for added flavor.
To cool down the heat from the barbecued meats, some fresh fruits are often served as well. All in all, Filipino barbecue is always best enjoyed when shared with family and friends!
pinoy bbq party ideas
A pinoy BBQ party is a perfect way to gather friends and family for a celebration. Start your event by grilling up some delicious Filipino favorites like pork barbecue, chicken adobo, and lechon kawali.
Serve them with traditional condiments like soy sauce, calamansi juice, banana ketchup, and spiced vinegar. Add some sides like fried rice or garlic noodles to round out your meal. For dessert, why not bake up some ube halaya or sweet empanadas?
To really make your gathering special, consider adding festive decorations like colorful bunting and paper lanterns. Have fun music playing in the background while guests mingle over food and drinks. Make sure there are plenty of games on hand, too – card games like ‘tong-its’ and ‘pusoy dos’ are always popular choices!
Finally, no Filipino party is complete without a little karaoke – it’s the perfect way to end an already unforgettable evening! So make sure to have a few microphones and speakers ready, and don’t forget the songbook!
With these ingredients, your pinoy BBQ party is sure to be a hit. Your guests will leave with lasting memories of good food, great company, and even better times had by all. Have fun!
By following these simple steps and adding some creative touches of your own, you can create a festive atmosphere that will be remembered for years to come. Just remember: when it comes to Philippine cuisine and celebrations, there’s no wrong way to do it.
So get creative with your decorating, music selection, games and activities! With the right supplies and attitude, you’re guaranteed a fun and memorable event.
Wrap Up
There are plenty of delicious side dishes that go perfectly with Filipino-style barbecue! From grilled vegetables to fried rice to mango salad—the options are endless when it comes to rounding out your meal.
Depend up on your choices; these sides will give your guests something extra special to enjoy alongside their main course! So next time you fire up the grill for traditional Filipino BBQ, don’t forget these classic sides! They’re sure to make your meal even more memorable!
FAQs
What are the best food pairings?
One of the best food pairings is steak and potatoes. Both steak and potatoes are rich in protein, which helps provide energy to keep you energized throughout the day.
Furthermore, the savory flavor of steak is well complemented by the creamy texture of mashed potatoes. Also, a classic pairing of steak with a side of grilled asparagus adds a delicious burst of flavor thanks to its bright, grassy taste.
A great seafood option is a classic pairing of salmon with lemon and capers. The light flavor of the salmon pairs perfectly with the tartness from the lemon and the saltiness from the capers. This combination makes for an easy yet impressive meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes!
Another tasty option is shrimp scampi with angel hair pasta. Shrimp scampi has a mild, buttery flavor that’s nicely complemented by angel hair pasta’s delicate texture and subtle sweetness. This combination gives it enough complexity to satisfy any palate without being overly heavy or filling.
For those looking for something on the more indulgent side, macaroni and cheese with bacon never fail to please. With its creamy melted cheese sauce smothered over elbow macaroni noodles doused in crispy bacon bits, this classic comfort food will surely hit all your cravings!
These are merely a few of the many delicious food pairings that can be enjoyed. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can discover your own favorite combinations. Bon appétit!
What to serve with Filipino lechon?
Lechon is a popular dish in the Philippines, often served at celebrations and holidays. To complement this delicious meal, there are a variety of traditional side dishes available for serving with lechon.
These include steamed white rice, atchara (pickled cucumber and carrots), ensaladang mangga (mango salad), patismansi (soy sauce-vinegar dip) or suka (cane vinegar).
Another delicious option that pairs well with lechon is fried garlic rice – this can be made by simply sautéing garlic in hot oil until lightly browned before adding cooked white rice to the pan.
Other side dishes include lumpiang sariwa (Filipino egg rolls), grilled vegetables, and grilled pork or chicken. Furthermore, no Filipino meal would be complete without some form of kakanin (sweet snacks), like biko, sapin-sapin or suman. All these sides will help balance out the richness of lechon and make for a delicious meal!
Finally, lechon is usually served with a selection of dipping sauces such as fresh chili-garlic sauce, toyomansi (soy sauce-calamansi dip) and spiced vinegar. These added flavors enhance the flavor of this traditional dish while adding spice and complexity to the overall experience.
There are also many other options available at local markets that pair well with this classic Filipino dish.
