Best Gluten-Free Filipino Recipes

Starting a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on tasty Filipino dishes. There’s a wide array of gluten-free Filipino recipes to choose from that are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.

From hearty stews like chicken adobo to refreshing appetizers like Kinilaw, you can still enjoy all your favorite flavors without worrying about gluten.

With a few simple swaps and substitutions, you can recreate classic Filipino dishes that are safe for gluten-free diets.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these flavorful gluten-free Filipino recipes.

Gluten-Free Filipino Recipes You Should Try

Here are some of the best gluten-free recipes that will fill your stomach and soul.

Gluten-Free Adobo

Adobo is one of the most popular Filipino dishes for a reason. It’s widely celebrated for its savory, tangy, and sweet mix of flavor. The secret lies in the marinade, but you’ll need to swap traditional soy sauce for a gluten-free variant.

Marinate your choice of chicken or pork in gluten-free soy sauce mixed with vinegar, crushed garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. After marinating for an hour (or overnight for deeper flavor), simmer the meat in the same mixture until tender.

Keep in mind that there are so many versions of Adobo that you can make. As long as you replace the regular soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, you’d be fine. You may even make an Adobong Puti which just uses vinegar.

Sinigang

This sour soup is a comforting favorite, with tamarind providing its signature tang. Boil tamarind to extract the juice, then simmer with your preferred meat (pork, fish, or shrimp) and an array of vegetables like radish, eggplant, and water spinach.

If you don’t have access to tamarind or just want a quicker way to make this soup, you may use Sinigang mix. This is a dish that brings warmth and refreshment in every spoonful, especially when seasoned with fish sauce.

Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw

Anything made with gata or coconut milk becomes a creamy delight, and this dish is no exception. Begin by sautéing garlic, onion, and ginger in a pot until fragrant.

Add cubed kalabasa (squash) and sitaw (string beans) to the pot, pouring in coconut milk and a bit of water to create a rich broth. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender, infusing them with the creamy goodness of the coconut milk.

The subtle sweetness of the kalabasa pairs perfectly with the savory string beans, creating incredible flavors that will leave you craving more. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve this comforting gluten-free dish over steamed rice.

Inihaw na Bangus

Grilled milkfish is a simple dish, but its flavor stands out especially when stuffed with tomatoes and onions. You may stuff the fish with additional herbs like lemongrass and ginger, elevating the flavors even further.

Start by marinating the fish in a mixture of calamansi juice, gluten-free soy sauce, and pepper before grilling over hot coals. After the fish is charred and cooked through, serve it with a side of freshly diced tomatoes and gluten-free soy sauce with calamansi on the side for that extra burst of umami flavor.

Laing

Laing is proof that sometimes, less is more. This Filipino dish transforms dried taro leaves and coconut milk into a dish that’s both spicy and creamy.

The leaves are slowly simmered in coconut milk, along with a hearty mix of shrimp paste, ginger, garlic, and fiery chili peppers, until they absorb the rich flavors and soften to perfection. This process not only intensifies the flavors but also creates a uniquely satisfying texture.

The addition of chili peppers adds a kick that can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance, making Laing a versatile dish that caters to many palates. It’s a celebration of the coconut’s creamy sweetness against the distinct flavors of the taro leaves, creating a dish that’s deeply flavorful and comforting.

Serve it hot over a bowl of steamed rice for a truly soul-satisfying meal that’s not only gluten-free, but also immensely delicious.

Kinilaw

Kinilaw offers a refreshing dive into the vibrant world of Filipino ceviches, showcasing the quality of raw fish, marinated in a sharp blend of vinegar or calamansi juice.

This acidity gently cooks the fish, turning it opaque and infusing it with a tangy flavor that’s balanced with slices of ginger, onions, and chili peppers.

Make sure to choose high-quality fish like tuna or mackerel to ensure the best taste and texture. The addition of calamansi juice not only adds a citrusy kick but also highlights the natural sweetness of the fish, creating a blend of flavors that’s satisfying.

Chill and serve after preparation to enjoy its full, vibrant taste, making it a perfect starter for any meal, or as a beer accompaniment.

Arroz Caldo

Arroz Caldo is a hug in a bowl, with its warm, comforting embrace of ginger-flavored rice porridge and tender chicken pieces. This Filipino dish is a go-to comfort food, especially on cold days or when in need of a soothing meal.

The rice is simmered in a rich broth flavored with garlic, onion, and ginger, transforming into a creamy porridge that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

The addition of chicken not only adds protein but also depth to the porridge, making it a hearty meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Garnishing with green onions, fried garlic, and a squeeze of calamansi or lemon juice before serving adds layers of flavor and texture, elevating the dish from simple to extraordinary.

Paksiw na Isda

Paksiw na Isda is a classic Filipino fish dish that embodies the delicate balance of sourness and aromatic flavors, cooked in a vinegar-based broth with ginger and spices. This method not only preserves the fish but also imparts a tangy flavor that’s both refreshing and appetizing.

Using vinegar as the primary liquid for cooking creates a subtle acidity that complements the natural flavors of the fish, while the addition of ginger and garlic adds depth and warmth to the dish. Serve this dish with a steaming bowl of rice to enjoy a meal that’s both humble and rich in taste.

Bicol Express

This gluten-free dish is a fiery celebration of coconut milk, chili peppers, and pork, simmered together to create a creamy, spicy stew that’s bound to awaken your taste buds. The pork is tenderly cooked until it falls apart, absorbing the rich flavors of coconut milk and the heat from the chili peppers.

Shrimp paste adds umami that complements the creamy sauce, while the generous use of chili peppers can be adjusted to suit your preferred level of spice.

Bicol Express is a bold dish that perfectly captures the essence of Bicolano cuisine, giving you a creamy and spicy experience that’s unforgettable. Serve it with plenty of rice to balance the heat.