Filipino Spaghetti Recipe (2024)

5 from 1 vote

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Filipino

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Author: Nora Rey

• ▢ 1 pound spaghetti
• ▢ 1 medium onion finely chopped
• ▢ 6 garlic cloves minced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste see note
• ▢ 1½ pounds ground pork or beef
• ▢ 4 hotdogs sliced; see note
• ▢ 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes see note
• ▢ 1 cup banana ketchup see note
• ▢ ¼ cup evaporated milk sub: milk or cream
• ▢ 2 tablespoons sugar more to taste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon fish sauce more to taste
• ▢ Grated cheese see note
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ Neutral oil for sautéing

US Customary - Metric

• In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they soften and begin to caramelize.

• Add the tomato paste and cook it for a few minutes until it starts to brown and caramelize.

• Add the meat, then increase to medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart into separate, smaller pieces until they lightly brown. Season with salt and pepper.

• Add the hot dogs and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they start to brown.

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and banana ketchup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let it come to a boil, then lower to medium heat.

• Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning.

• While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Unlike typical Italian dishes where pasta is often al dente, Filipino spaghetti is usually cooked until it's well done. Once it reaches this stage, drain the pasta but set aside some pasta water.

• Pour the evaporated milk into the sauce. Season with sugar, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.

• Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

• Ladle the meat sauce generously over the spaghetti, then top with grated cheese. Serve and enjoy!

• Crushed tomatoes: These are coarsely ground tomatoes with a slightly chunky texture. You can use tomato sauce as a substitute.
• Banana ketchup: This is a sweet and tangy condiment widely used in Filipino cuisine, made primarily from bananas. You can also use tomato ketchup, which is slightly more acidic.
• Tomato paste: A concentrated form of tomatoes that adds a rich, deep tomato flavor.
• Hotdogs: Red hotdogs, which are brightly colored and slightly sweetened, are typically used. You can always use regular hotdogs, ham, or sausages.
• Cheese: Processed cheese, like Eden cheese or Quick melt, is typically used for its creamy, melty texture. You can always use American cheese, cheddar cheese, or Parmesan cheese.