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    Home » Pork Recipes

    Filipino Picadillo Recipe

    Published: Sep 17, 2023 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 2 Comments

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    Filipino Picadillo, or "Giniling," is a stew with ground meat and diced vegetables in a tomato-based sauce. This picadillo recipe is a perfect example of Filipino fusion cooking, mixing together different flavors and ingredients to create something delicious. With its easy preparation, it's a go-to meal for many families across the Philippines.

    Filipino Picadillo over rice on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • What is Picadillo?
    • Ingredients you'll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Spanish-inspired Filipino dishes
    • Other pork recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    What is Picadillo?

    Picadillo is a traditional comfort food in various Latin American countries and the Philippines. It's typically made with ground meat—whether beef picadillo or ground pork—along with tomatoes, raisins, and olives.

    The ingredients can vary depending on the region, but one thing remains consistent: its name comes from the Spanish word "picar," meaning "to mince," perfectly describing its finely chopped texture.

    Ingredients you'll need

    Individual ingredients for Filipino Picadillo.
    Salt, pepper, water, and oil are not in the picture.

    Notes and substitutions

    • Ground Meat: You can use ground pork, beef, or chicken, depending on your preference. If you want to make it vegetarian or vegan, use tofu or another plant-based protein.
    • Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking.
    • Tomato Paste: It is thick and concentrated, adding an intense tomato flavor. You can use tomato sauce, but reduce the water in the recipe.
    • Green Olives: Choose a variety that isn't overpowering and that you enjoy eating on its own, like Castelvetrano or Manzanilla olives. If you're not a fan of olives, you can simply leave them out.

    How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Sear the vegetables

    Heat up your pan or pot over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil to coat the bottom. Toss in 2 cups of potatoes and 1 cup of carrots, then let them sizzle until they get a light golden crust, which should take about 5 minutes. Once they're done, take them out and set them aside.

    Searing potatoes and carrots in a saute pan.

    Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

    Lower the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Throw in 1 chopped onion and 6 minced garlic cloves, and cook until they're softened and caramelized, which should take around 5 minutes.

    Sauteing onions and garlic in a saute pan.

    Step 3: Brown the meat

    Turn up the heat to medium-high, then add 1½ pounds of ground meat. Break it apart and let it brown while its fat renders out for about 5 minutes. Make sure it gets nice and tender, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Breaking up ground meat in a saute pan.

    Step 4: Brown the tomato paste

    Pour in ⅓ cup of tomato paste and stir it around for about 3 minutes. This helps bring out its flavor and you'll notice it darken as it caramelizes.

    Browning tomato paste with the ground meat in a saute pan.

    Step 5: Add more ingredients

    Throw in ⅓ cup of raisins, 1 bay leaf, 2½ cups of water, 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Give it a good mix to dissolve the bouillon and let everything come to a boil.

    Adding water to the other ingredients in the saute pan.

    Step 6: Add the potatoes and carrots

    Bring back the potatoes and carrots to the mixture, then lower the heat to medium. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

    Adding potatoes and carrots with other ingredients in the saute pan.

    Step 7: Add the peas and olives

    Stir in the peas and olives, then cook for about 2 minutes. If it's looking a bit dry, feel free to add more water. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then turn off the heat.

    Adding olives and peas with the other ingredients in the saute pan.

    Serve and enjoy your Filipino Picadillo! If you want some heat, try adding a dash of chili garlic oil.

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or pop them in the freezer for longer storage. You can also get creative and turn it into Tortang Giniling.

    Simmering Filipino Picadillo in a saute pan.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do you serve Picadillo?

    Picadillo is incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it as a main dish paired with rice or use it as a filling for empanadas or torta. It's perfect for lunch or dinner, fitting seamlessly into any mealtime.

    What is the difference between Mexican Picadillo and Filipino Picadillo?

    Mexican Picadillo typically includes spices like cumin and chili, along with herbs such as oregano and cilantro. On the other hand, Filipino Picadillo is more adaptable when it comes to the choice of meat and may incorporate seasonings like fish sauce and soy sauce. It is also often sweeter with raisins and sugar.

    Spanish-inspired Filipino dishes

    • Adobo: Braised pork or chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. There's a soy-free version called Adobong Puti.
    • Menudo: Pork stewed with liver, hotdogs, potatoes, carrots, and raisins in a rich tomato sauce.
    • Caldereta: Beef, goat, or chicken stewed with liver spread, cheese, and bell peppers in tomato sauce.
    • Paella: Saffron-flavored rice with chicken, seafood, and vegetables.
    • Sarciadong Isda: Fried fish in a savory and slightly tangy sauce with aromatics and beaten eggs.
    • Arroz Caldo: Ginger rice porridge with chicken, topped with boiled eggs, scallions, and fried garlic.
    • Pochero: Pork, beef, or chicken stewed with saba bananas and chorizo in a light tomato-based broth.

    Other pork recipes you may like

    • Igado in a bowl.
      Igado (Pork and Liver Stew)
    • Lechon Paksiw on a plate.
      Lechon Paksiw Recipe
    • Humba in a bowl.
      Humba Recipe
    • Dinuguan in a bowl.
      Dinuguan Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Filipino picadillo topped on rice on a plate.

    Filipino Picadillo

    Ground meat and diced vegetables in a tomato-based sauce.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Filipino
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 403kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $8-$12

    Equipment

    • Sauté pan or large skillet

    Ingredients

    • 1½ pounds ground meat (see note)
    • 2 cups diced potatoes (see note)
    • 1 cup diced carrots
    • 1 yellow onion finely chopped
    • 6 garlic cloves minced
    • ⅓ cup tomato paste (see note)
    • ⅓ cup raisins
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 2½ cups water more as needed
    • 2 teaspoons chicken base or bouillon
    • 1 tablespoon fish sauce more to taste
    • 1 tablespoon sugar more to taste
    • ½ cup green peas
    • ½ cup olives cut in half (see note)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Neutral oil (for searing and sautéing)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Heat your pan over medium-high heat, then add a thin coating of oil. Spread the potatoes and carrots in the pan, then sear until they develop a light golden crust, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
    • Lower the heat to medium and add more oil if necessary. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes.
    • Turn up the heat to medium-high, then add the ground meat. Break it apart and let it brown while its fat renders out for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add the tomato paste, stirring for about 3 minutes to develop its flavor. It should darken in color as it caramelizes.
    • Add the raisins, bay leaf, 2½ cups water, chicken bouillon, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to dissolve the bouillon and let it come to a boil.
    • Bring back the potatoes and carrots, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the peas and olives, then cook for about 2 minutes. Add more water, if necessary. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then turn off the heat.

    Notes

    • Ground Meat: You can use ground beef, pork, or chicken, depending on your preference.
    • Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking.
    • Tomato Paste: It is thick and concentrated, adding an intense tomato flavor. You can use tomato sauce, but reduce the water in the recipe.
    • Green Olives: Choose a variety that isn't too overpowering and that you enjoy eating on its own, like Castelvetrano or Manzanilla olives. If you're not a fan of olives, you can simply leave them out.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 403kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 18gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 758mgPotassium: 881mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 5775IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg
    Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

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    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

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    Comments

    1. Maria

      September 27, 2023 at 10:15 am

      5 stars
      This is one of those dishes i make when i cant think of anything to make. Then it turns out to be one of those few things my kids like eating. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Nora Rey

        September 27, 2023 at 11:47 pm

        Hi Maria,
        That's wonderful to hear! It's always a win when we find something easy to make and the kids actually love it! I’m glad this dish could be a go-to for your family. Thanks so much for sharing!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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