Trader Joe's Filipino Food Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 06, 2025

33

Share

Trader Joe's Filipino Food Recipe: A Delicious and Affordable Adventure

Filipino food is experiencing a well-deserved surge in popularity, and what better way to explore its vibrant flavors than with a Trader Joe's inspired twist? This post offers delicious and affordable Filipino recipes using readily available Trader Joe's products. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey without breaking the bank!

Savory Filipino Dishes with a Trader Joe's Twist

Filipino cuisine boasts a remarkable diversity of flavors, incorporating sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. This adaptability makes it incredibly versatile when working with products from Trader Joe's.

1. Adobo with Trader Joe's Soy Sauce and Garlic

Adobo, the undisputed king of Filipino dishes, is incredibly easy to recreate using Trader Joe's ingredients.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or pork belly, for a richer flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Trader Joe's Soy Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Trader Joe's Rice Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 cloves Trader Joe's Garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

• Instructions:

  1. In a pot or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chicken (or pork) is tender. For a richer sauce, simmer longer, allowing the liquid to reduce.
  2. Serve hot with steamed rice. Consider adding a side of Trader Joe's Mango Salsa for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper adobo flavor, use dark soy sauce. Trader Joe's may offer this, so check their selection!

2. Pancit Bihon with Trader Joe's Ingredients

Pancit Bihon, a stir-fried noodle dish, is a staple in Filipino cuisine. This version utilizes convenient Trader Joe's products for a quick and flavorful meal.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 package Trader Joe's Bihon Rice Noodles
  • 1 package Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken (optional, for added protein and flavor)
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for umami depth)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Instructions:

  1. Cook the Bihon noodles according to package directions.
  2. While the noodles are cooking, stir-fry the carrots, cabbage, and onion until softened. Add the garlic and stir-fry for another minute.
  3. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil to the vegetables. Stir-fry until everything is well combined.
  4. If using, add the Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions (if available).

Pro-Tip: Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking! Add other Trader Joe's frozen vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.

Sweet Filipino Treats with Trader Joe's

Filipino desserts are famously sweet and satisfying. Let's explore some possibilities with Trader Joe's offerings.

3. Mango Sticky Rice with Trader Joe's Coconut Milk

This classic dessert gets a Trader Joe's upgrade using their convenient coconut milk.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 package Trader Joe's Sticky Rice
  • 1 can Trader Joe's Coconut Milk
  • 2 ripe mangoes, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• Instructions:

  1. Cook the sticky rice according to package directions.
  2. While the rice is cooking, simmer the coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, gently toss it with the coconut milk mixture.
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with sliced mangoes and sesame seeds.

Pro-Tip: To make it even more decadent, add a drizzle of Trader Joe's honey or their mango salsa!

This is just the beginning of your Trader Joe's Filipino food adventure! Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and create your own unique variations. Enjoy the delicious and affordable journey! Remember to check your local Trader Joe's for seasonal and regional variations in their product offerings. Happy cooking!