I have a new obsession and YOU ARE LOOKING AT IT.
These Filipino Appetizers are taking over my life in the best possible way. We are talking about big, bold flavors that hit every single tastebud.
I’m not even going to pretend that I didn’t eat that entire plate of lumpia by myself. Because I did. And I would do it again.
These are the flavorful bites you need in your life right now.
1. Dynamite Lumpia
These dynamite lumpia are the life of the party. We are talking finger chili peppers cut open into a boat shape and filled with ground pork, then wrapped in spring roll pastry and deep fried until golden.
It is spicy and crunchy and totally exciting. Plus, they look so fun with the pepper tops poking out! You need to be making these.
2. Sizzling Sisig
Okay, gather round. Let me introduce you to the dinner entree that is guaranteed to make everyone happy. It is a medley of juicy pork bits, onions, and chili peppers tossed in a tangy and savory dressing.
Serve this meaty marvel hot on a sizzling metal plate and just watch the crowd go wild. It is simply divine.
3. Lumpia Shanghai
Lumpia Shanghai! Golden pastry parcels stuffed with ground chicken, water chestnuts, carrots, and green onions.
These are the snack of your dreams and I am just going to warn you now that they are unbelievably addictive. Fry up a big batch because they will disappear in minutes. So. So. Good.
4. Cheese Sticks
Cheese lovers, I see you. These deep fried spring roll pastry sticks are filled with amazing soft cheese and we are all about it. The final touch is a simple dipping sauce made from mayo and ketchup.
These are flaky and creamy and cheesy and basically everything you want in a snack. Yes, please.
5. Okoy
The next time you need an easy appetizer, turn to this okoy. It is a lightly battered, crispy fritter made with shrimp and vegetables that is absolutely delicious.
Dunk it into a spicy vinegar dipping sauce and your tastebuds will thank you. These treats crisp up so well and pack a serious flavor punch. This is what’s up.
6. Beef Empanada
These beef empanadas are the ultimate finger food. They are perfect to grab and go if you are entertaining guests. A delicious, meaty, and savory filling is encased in a buttery and flaky crust.
Serve these up at your next game night with ice cold Mexican beers and just embrace the goodness. It is utterly mouthwatering.
7. Atchara
Let’s talk about Atchara. This crisp and tangy Filipino pickled papaya pairs perfectly with Filipino barbecue. Its fresh and briny taste works so well with fatty, salty meats because it cuts through the grease.
The bulk of this is green, unripened papaya and carrots, but you can also add bell pepper and chili peppers. It makes meals so much more enjoyable.
8. Crispy Tenga
If you are feeling bold, whip up some crispy tenga. These are pig ears that are boiled and then deep fried until crispy.
It might sound a little foreign, but they are a Filipino delicacy and you should definitely be a little daring and don’t sleep on this. It is super important to tenderize the ears by boiling them so you get the crispiest crunch possible.
9. Kinilaw
Kinilaw is kind of like a Filipino style ceviche made using raw fish and a citrus based dressing. Traditionally, you use Spanish mackerel or yellowfin tuna, but other fish with firm, fleshy meat work too.
Since we are dealing with raw fish here, it is super important to buy the freshest fish possible. Fresh and delicious!
10. Dilis
Salty snack alert! Dilis are little fried anchovies and they are the kind of snack where you can’t help but go back for more. The anchovies are battered before being deep fried and served as a hot appetizer. You can have these tasty bites on the table in just 10 minutes. That is pretty impressive.
11. Pork Siomai
These pork siomai dumplings are a Filipino version of classic Chinese dumplings and they are just as delicious. Wonton wrappers are stuffed with pork, a little bit of shrimp, egg, and vegetables.
Steam them for 20 minutes until cooked through and serve with chili garlic paste and a dip of soy sauce and calamansi. Little bundles of joy!
12. Buffalo Wings
Is there anything better for game night than buffalo wings? I would argue not, especially when it is these Filipino buffalo wings.
Also known as Swiss wings, these meaty, vinegar wings are one of the most popular appetizers thanks to a sauce made with butter, vinegar, and hot sauce. It is a total game changer.
13. Panara
If you are a fan of wontons, you will love these panara. These are Filipino wontons filled with bottle gourd, shrimps, onion, and garlic, and deep fried until crispy golden brown.
These appetizing golden crispy little pockets are delicious when served with a dip made from vinegar, soy sauce, and calamansi or banana ketchup.
14. Ham and Cheese Bread Rolls
These ham and cheese bread rolls are the ultimate crowd pleasers. Picky eaters and foodies alike can’t get enough of them.
And the best part is that they are so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes. The fried breadcrumb coating has a crunch that just won’t quit. This is my life now.
15. Kwek-kwek
Oh my goodness. Kwek kwek are boiled quail eggs coated with an orange batter and deep fried to golden perfection.
They are so fun to eat and taste extra delicious when dipped in a spicy vinegar or sweet and spicy fishball sauce. I love to serve these on skewers because it is great for entertaining. So fun and exciting!
16. Lumpiang Togue
Lumpiang togue are Filipino style vegetable spring rolls filled with bean sprouts, carrots, green beans, pork, and shrimp. The combo of crisp veggies, spiced meat, and flaky pastry is totally dreamy.
I love to use bean sprouts, green beans, and julienned carrots for the best crunch. Get creative and throw in other crunchy veggies too!
17. Chicharon Bulaklak
Feeling adventurous? Try something new and give this chicharon bulaklak a go. It is made up of pork intestines that have been deep fried and gets its name from its flower like shape.
Traditionally, this appetizer is enjoyed with beer. Adventure awaits!
18. Crispy Fried Calamari
Deep fried calamari is my all time favorite way to enjoy squid. It is highly snackable and you just can’t stop eating it.
What is exciting about this recipe is that instead of chopping the squid in rings, you batter and fry them whole. Coat the squid in equal parts flour and cornstarch for an amazing crunchy coating. Pretty neat!
19. Filipino Style Sizzling Tofu
Looking for a vegetarian friendly appetizer? This Filipino style sizzling tofu has got you covered.
This meatless marvel uses extra firm tofu cut into small squares, marinated, baked, and sautéed with garlic, onion, pepper, and chili. Serve the tofu on a hot sizzling plate to really impress your friends. Yum!
20. Vegan Tokwa’t “Baboy” (Filipino Fried Tofu & “Pork”)
If you are looking for vegan friendly appetizers, this vegan tokwa’t baboy is exactly what you need. This Filipino fried tofu and pork dish is super popular in street side kiosks in the Philippines.
And for good reason because it is absolutely delicious. Tofu is deep fried and dipped in a sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, chiles, and onions. Totally vegan.
