My kids and family eat Filipino spaghetti like they’ve been starving. It’s that good. Completely balanced, the beautiful dance of salt, acid, sweetness, and fat are all there in complete harmony. Best of all, the Filipino spaghetti sauce is made from scratch, natural, and bursting with flavor and wholesomeness.
Table of contents
- Foods from Childhood
- The History behind Filipino Spaghetti
- NO RED Hot Dog Spaghetti
- What’s Good About Natural Style Filipino Spaghetti
- What is Filipino Spaghetti?
- Tradition is Modernized into a Healthier Variation
- INGREDIENTS in Filipino Spaghetti (Natural Style)
- EQUIPMENT
- HOW TO MAKE Natural Filipino Spaghetti Recipe
- Make Filipino spaghetti Sauce
- ADD INS AND VARIATIONS
- WHAT TO SERVE WITH Filipino-Style Spaghetti
Foods from Childhood
Filipino spaghetti sauce is a flavor that is embedded, dug, and cemented into my brain.
My taste and smell receptors are on fire when I’m around a dish of this distinctly nostalgic, sweeter sauce, tossed with bright red hot dogs.
Well, my tastebuds have evolved since I’ve grown up.
There are no red hot dogs here and the sauce…will be sweetened, but to a level that is balanced, toothsome, and a definite crowd-pleaser.
The History behind Filipino Spaghetti
Filipino spaghetti has an interesting history that combines international influences with local preferences.
Italian Influence
Filipino spaghetti is a variation of the traditional Italian spaghetti with meat sauce.
Italian cuisine has had a significant influence on Filipino food, given the history of Spanish colonization and the presence of Italian immigrants in the Philippines.
American Influence
The American occupation of the Philippines in the early 20th century also played a role in shaping Filipino cuisine, including the adaptation of spaghetti.
American soldiers stationed in the Philippines introduced canned goods, such as tomato sauce, which became a key ingredient in Filipino spaghetti.
Sweetening the Sauce
One distinctive characteristic of Filipino spaghetti is its sweeter flavor compared to traditional Italian spaghetti.
This sweetness can be attributed to the Filipino preference for sweeter sauces in general.
In addition to sugar, some recipes use banana ketchup—an iconic Filipino condiment made from bananas and spices—to enhance the sweetness of the sauce.
Inclusion of Hot Dogs
Another extra of Filipino spaghetti is the addition of sliced hot dogs.
This addition provides a flavor reminiscent of childhood comfort food.
Filipino spaghetti holds a special place in Filipino food culture.
With that said, this special pasta dish has evolved, though slightly, over time to suit the preferences and diets of others.
In my version, enjoy the elements in place, but done in. a wholesome way for a kid-friendly and more healthful adaptation.
NO RED Hot Dog Spaghetti
Firstly, I’m not opposed to hot dogs as I love a good one at the baseball game or a potluck gathering.
However, there are natural options available (that are 100% meat) out there so while some prefer the bright red hot dogs, this version uses 100% natural meat. This makes the recipe very kid-friendly.
You can access real, natural meat at most regular groceries or ground your own meat.
**You can use hot dog or whatever meat you like for this recipe.**
Just for information, these are the ingredients below in some Red Hot Dog brands.
Source of Image: Google search Pamana red hot dog ingredients
What’s Good About Natural Style Filipino Spaghetti
Hands down, a fresh and made-from-scratch spaghetti sauce is really good.
- Eat good, Feel good with the more natural ingredients.
- No hot dogs with additives. This is a natural meat recipe.
- This recipe use blue agave which is lower on the glycemic index and a “better” choice for sweetener.
- All wholesome, natural ingredients in the inspired Filipino spaghetti sauce recipe.
- Potluck dish and Party food friendly! This always brings the crowd in.
- Offers Filipino spaghetti with a healthier option
- Very Kid Friendly
What is Filipino Spaghetti?
In a nutshell, Filipinos love food, and all kinds from around the world.
As an adaptation of Italian spaghetti with meat sauce, a Filipino version was born that featured more sweetness and hot dog.
Traditional Filipino Spaghetti Ingredients
The main components of traditional Filipino spaghetti include spaghetti noodles, a thick tomato-based sauce, ground meat (usually a combo of ground pork and beef), and ingredients such as sliced red hotdogs and sometimes bell peppers.
The sauce is sweeter due to the addition of sugar or banana ketchup, which gives it a distinct taste.
You can even find Filipino spaghetti sauce in a bagged, processed version at any Filipino grocery store.
Filipino spaghetti is usually garnished with processed cheese like Velveeta or quick-melting cheese.
It is commonly served with garlic bread or pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) on the side.
Needless to say, it’s a cult classic and you’ll find this dish at every kid’s celebration and adult gatherings alike.
Since this is one of the best comfort foods amongst Filipinos, it’s no surprise the nostalgic, fuzzy feelings some people get when they see this dish on the buffet table.
You can now see Filipino-style spaghetti at Jollibee, a popular Filipino fast-food restaurant that is also in the United States, and many others.
Tradition is Modernized into a Healthier Variation
Natural-made Filipino spaghetti is now accessible for more people to try because the ingredients are easier to find and the taste is universally welcomed by the use of wholesome food.
This recipe features natural ingredients.
Healthier Choices
- natural pork sausage
- grass-fed ground beef
- blue agave sweetener
- Instead of banana ketchup, there is a touch of added white vinegar to create a similar flavor.
This version of Filipino spaghetti sauce can be made from scratch and it’s very easy and quick.
INGREDIENTS in Filipino Spaghetti (Natural Style)
- Regular Spaghetti Pasta
- Water – boil pasta and keep some pasta water
- Olive Oil
- Neutral Oil / Avocado Oil – Sauté meats
- Sweet Italian Pork Sausage OR 100% Natural Meat Hot Dog– natural and delicious
- 80% Lean 20% Fat Ground Beef – best lean to fat ratio
- Fresh Cherry Tomatoes – Optional. Adds texture.
- Tomato Sauce – one can
- Tomato Paste – one can
- Blue Agave Sweetener – for sweetness
- White Vinegar – for balance
- Garlic – smash and mince
- Onions – diced
- Italian Seasonings
- Salt and Pepper
- Grated Natural Parmesan Cheese – topping
Want Creamy Filipino Spaghetti Sauce?
- add a touch of evaporated milk
EQUIPMENT
- Large Dutch Oven or Deep Wall Braiser Pan – best for high heat and space for all ingredients
- Tongs – turning sausage
- Soft Spoon Spatula – folding sauce and mixing
HOW TO MAKE Natural Filipino Spaghetti Recipe
- Make the pasta per package instructions. Be sure to taste and remove pasta once it is al dente.
Set the pasta aside while you make the sauce if it gets done first.
I use imported from Italy pasta from Trader Joe’s and it is inexpensive and so perfectly delish.
- Save a cup of pasta water.
- Then, cook the meat separately.
Use very little high heat-tolerant oil and sear the sausage and sear the ground beef.
Remove the ground beef first (cooks faster) and then the pork sausage.
- Quickly drain or remove the fat rendered from the pan. No need to wash the pan, just eliminate the extra fat.
- Set the meat aside. Do not cut the sausage, yet.
Make Filipino spaghetti Sauce
- In the same pan, add some olive oil, bring the flame lower so the OO doesn’t burn (or the Filipino spaghetti sauce will be bitter).
- Sauté garlic, onions, and the fresh cherry tomatoes.
- When the tomatoes are blistered and very soft, press them down so they start the sauce.
- In a small bowl, pre mix the tomato sauce, tomato paste, agave sweetener, vinegar, and salt and pepper. It’s the best way to ensure everything is blended.
Now pour that into the pan.
- Mix, add Italian seasonings, mix and fold more, then simmer for five minutes.
- Cut the sausage on the diagonal, add all meat to the pan and simmer for three minutes.
Serve over the pasta or mix it all up and enjoy!
MORE RECIPES TO TRY
FRESH Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce that Slaps!
Sesame Noodle Salad So Easy and FAST!
The BEST Natural Beef Sinigang Recipe
Pancit Canton with Shrimp: Filipino Noodle Stir-Fry
NOTES ON How to Make Filipino Style Spaghetti
- Add enough blue agave sweetener, but don’t over do it. Measure per the recipe.
- Many of these ingredients can be found organic if that is your preference.
- Sear the meat and drain the fat.
Chunky or Smooth Sauce
This is a recipe for chunky style sauce.
For smooth sauce, blend the onion and garlic and add to the tomato sauce mixture. Omit fresh tomatoes.
ADD INS AND VARIATIONS
This Filipino spaghetti recipe is versatile and works well with these extras.
- add mushrooms
- add spinach
- try plant-based meat
- add cream or evaporated milk
- add honey
- add a pinch of cayenne pepper
- add two dashes of fish sauce (umami flavor)
WHAT TO SERVE WITH Filipino-Style Spaghetti
- garlic bread
- pandesal (Filipino soft bread rolls)
- sourdough baguette
Yum!
FAQS
No, but you can use gluten-free pasta in this Filipino-style spaghetti recipe.
Yes! This is a family favorite and even kid-friendly. Eat once in a while and enjoy the taste and natural, healthier ingredients.
Yes, and it’s good! Use an airtight, glass container.
Yes, but it’s better fresh. If you have to freeze it, you can thaw it before heating so the pasta doesn’t become mushy. Even the microwave works to reheat.
Natural, Healthier, So Yum Filipino Spaghetti
Equipment
- 1 pot for boiling water to cook pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz regular spaghetti pasta make al dente
- 6 quarts water for boiling pasta
- 2 tbsp neutral oil or avocado oil
- ½ lb ground beef 80% lean 20% fat
- 2 big links natural Sweet Italian Pork Sausage or regular natural pork sausage
- 1 cups whole, fresh cherry tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 3 tbsp blue agave sweetener
- 1 tbsp white distilled vinegar
- ¾ cup yellow onion small diced
- 3-4 large garlic cloves smash then mince
- 1 cup pasta water
- 1 tbsp Italian seasonings
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Get water to a rolling boil. Add a big pinch of salt. Submerge pasta and cook until al dente. Use package instruction for time and be sure to taste test first. Al dente is medium firm without hardness, fully cooked, and never ever mushy or too soft.6 quarts water, 16 oz regular spaghetti pasta
- Strain and bounce the pasta to remove excess water. Do NOT wash pasta. Set aside.
- Heat a large braiser pan over high heat.When the pan is very hot, then add neutral high-heat tolerant oil.Then, add the pork sausage and the ground beef. Do not cut the links.2 tbsp neutral oil or avocado oil, ½ lb ground beef 80% lean 20% fat, 2 big links natural Sweet Italian Pork Sausage
- Sear and cook the sausage links. Sear and cook the ground beef.Remove from pan and set aside.Remove the fat from the pan from scooping it out, or wipe it out quickly with paper towel.
- In the same pan, add olive oil.
- Add onions and garlic, and sauté.If you are doing a smooth sauce, then lightly blend the onions and garlic first.¾ cup yellow onion, 3-4 large garlic cloves
- If you are adding farm fresh cherry tomatoes, then make space in the center of the pan for them and move onion/garlic to the side. Close the lid for five minutes, then sauté them until blistered and very soft.Press down on the tomatoes when they are very soft to start the sauce and let it simmer.1 cups whole, fresh cherry tomatoes
- Now grab a small bowl and mix the tomato sauce, tomato paste, white vinegar, blue agave sweetener, salt, and pepper.1 can tomato sauce, 1 small can tomato paste, 3 tbsp blue agave sweetener, 1 tbsp white distilled vinegar, 1 tsp Salt, 1 tsp pepper
- Once whisked, then add the sauce mixture to the pan. Fold and mix in.
- Add pasta water.1 cup pasta water
- Then sprinkle Italian seasoning. Fold and mix in.Let the sauce simmer for five minutes.1 tbsp Italian seasonings
- Now, cut the sausage on the diagonal. Then, add the sausage bites and ground beef to the tomato sauce. Fold and mix some more.Let this simmer, covered, for three minutes.
- Mix all the pasta in the sauce, or pour sauce over pasta.Top with natural mozzarella or grated parmesan cheese.Serve immediately and Enjoy!
Notes
- add salt and pepper to taste
- serve with garlic bread
- top with fresh, natural mozzarella and chedder cheese
- see article for more add ins or variations
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