Filipino Picadillo with Fried Egg and Savory Plantains
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by enricorecipez
There s something utterly comforting about a plate of Filipino Picadillo, a dish that combines savory flavors with a dash of sweetness. I first discovered this delightful recipe on a rainy evening; the scent wafting from the kitchen filled my home with a warm embrace, drawing me in like a cozy hug.
This hearty meal is more than just a wonderful way to fill your belly it has the perfect balance of ground beef, pork, and vibrant vegetables, all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. And let s not forget the surprise of raisins peeking through, adding a sweet contrast that you just can’t resist!
As I tackled the challenge of balancing a busy week while craving something homemade, Picadillo quickly became a family favorite. It s easy, delicious, and versatile ideal for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. Join me in cooking this heartwarming dish, where each bite transports you straight to the bustling streets of the Philippines!
Why is Filipino Picadillo a must-try?
Heartwarming Flavors: The mix of ground beef and pork harmonizes beautifully with vegetables and raisins, creating a uniquely comforting dish.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the veggies and the fried egg on top make for an eye-catching plate that s sure to impress.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family or friends, this dish brings everyone to the table, offering a taste of the Philippines that s hard to resist.
Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings, making it the perfect canvas for culinary creativity.
Dive deeper into delicious homemade meals with our wonderful recipes on the blog!
Filipino Picadillo Ingredients
Discover what makes Filipino Picadillo so delightful.
For the Rice
- White rice Choose uncooked for fluffy texture; it complements the savory flavors perfectly.
For the Olive Oil
- Extra virgin olive oil Use this for sautéing; it adds rich flavor to the vegetables.
For the Veggies
- Yellow potatoes Diced into bite-sized pieces, they add heartiness to the dish.
- Carrots Cut into 1/2 inch dice to provide a sweet crunch.
- Onion Diced onions bring depth to the flavor profile.
- Garlic Fresh minced garlic infuses aromatic goodness throughout.
For the Meats
- Ground beef (80/20) This ratio provides the ideal balance of flavor and moisture.
- Ground pork Adds richness and enhances the overall taste of the Filipino Picadillo.
For the Sauce
- Tomato paste Provides a concentrated tomato flavor that ties everything together.
- Fresh tomatoes (plum or San Marzano) Diced, they lighten the sauce and add fresh notes.
- Kosher salt Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper Adds that perfect finishing touch of spice.
- Raisins These sweet gems create a delightful contrast in flavor.
- Fish sauce Just a splash amps up the umami for a truly authentic taste.
- Soy sauce Good quality soy sauce brings richness to the dish.
- Chili garlic paste Adds a kick of heat that elevates the overall flavor.
- Water Helps to create a savory sauce; adjust as needed based on your desired consistency.
For the Final Touch
- Frozen peas Thawed and stirred in at the end, they add a pop of color and sweetness.
- Fried egg One for each serving creates a sumptuous topping that s irresistible!
- Tabasco sauce Serve as a condiment for extra spice and flavor.
- Savory Fried Plantains A delightful side that complements the Picadillo beautifully.
How to Make Filipino Picadillo
Start cooking rice: In a pan or rice pot, add twice the amount of water compared to rice. Allow the rice to cook while you prepare the rest of the ingredients for the Filipino Picadillo.
Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced potatoes and carrots. Fry for about 15 minutes until browned and just tender, then transfer them to a bowl using a slotted spoon.
Cook onion: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the diced onion. Sauté for three minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for one additional minute until fragrant.
Brown the meats: Add the ground beef and ground pork to the skillet. Sauté for around eight minutes or until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Incorporate tomato paste: Create a hole in the center of the mixture and add the tomato paste. Stir it in for about one minute to integrate its rich flavor.
Mix in sauce ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, raisins, fish sauce, soy sauce, chili garlic paste, and the reserved cooked potatoes and carrots. Stir everything to combine well.
Simmer the mixture: Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add peas: Once the sauce has thickened, fold in the thawed peas gently and remove from heat. This adds a pop of color and sweetness to your Filipino Picadillo.
Fry eggs: In a separate fry pan, cook enough sunny-side-up or over-easy eggs as needed for each dinner guest, ensuring the yolk stays runny.
Plate the dish: Serve by placing fluffy cooked rice into a bowl. Generously top with the Picadillo mixture, and place one fried egg on each portion.
Garnish and serve: Accompany the dish with Tabasco sauce as a condiment and serve alongside savory fried plantains for a complete meal.
Optional: Add sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Filipino Picadillo
Fridge: Store leftover Filipino Picadillo in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen the mixture.
Before Serving: Always serve with fresh fried eggs and tabasco sauce for that delightful flavor, elevating your Picadillo experience!
What to Serve with Filipino Picadillo?
The vibrant flavors of this comforting dish invite a variety of delightful accompaniments to complete your meal.
Savory Fried Plantains: Their sweetness balances the rich flavors of the Picadillo, adding a satisfying crunch and warmth.
Garlic Fried Rice: Infusing rice with garlic emphasizes the aromatic notes in the Picadillo, making every bite a flavorful delight.
Fresh Mango Salsa: The juicy, sweet bursts from mango add a refreshing contrast, enhancing your taste experience with tropical flair.
Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans provide a healthful crunch that complements the softness of the Picadillo.
Pickled Vegetables: These tangy bites can cut through the richness of the dish, bringing a zesty twist to each mouthful.
Crispy Potato Chips: Serving crunchy chips on the side gives a fun, textural element that complements the whole meal beautifully.
Cold Beer or Iced Tea: A cold beverage like a light lager or refreshing iced tea perfectly washes down the savory flavors of the Picadillo.
Pairing these sides will transform your dinner into a feast that celebrates the heartwarming essence of Filipino cuisine!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Filipino Picadillo in advance is a fantastic way to simplify your weeknight dinners! You can chop the vegetables, including the potatoes, carrots, and onion, and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meat mixture can also be cooked ahead of time; simply allow it to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the Picadillo on the stove until warmed through, and cook the rice fresh to ensure it’s fluffy. These make-ahead strategies ensure that you can savor this comforting dish just as deliciously as if you made it fresh!
Filipino Picadillo Variations
Discover all the delicious ways to personalize your Filipino Picadillo!
Vegetarian: Swap the ground meats for lentils or crumbled tempeh. This creates a hearty yet meat-free alternative without losing flavor.
Heat Boost: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Spice lovers will relish the added heat in every bite!
Sweet Twist: Mix in diced pineapples along with the raisins. This tropical addition adds a sweet, tangy zing that brightens the dish beautifully.
Savory Swap: Replace the ground meats with a mix of turkey and chicken for a lighter version. You ll enjoy the same great taste with fewer calories.
Coconut Creamy: Incorporate coconut milk while simmering for a rich, creamy sauce. The coconut flavor pairs perfectly with the dish s savory ingredients.
Texture Contrast: Consider adding chopped nuts, like cashews or walnuts, for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the dish.
Herbaceous Lift: Stir in chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or green onions, just before serving. They add freshness that brightens the overall experience!
Different Grains: Swap white rice for quinoa or brown rice to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing taste. You ll love this hearty, wholesome twist!
Expert Tips for Filipino Picadillo
Don’t Rush the Rice: Ensure you use double the amount of water to rice for fluffy grains. Rushing this step can result in sticky, clumpy rice.
Choose Quality Meats: Use a mix of ground beef and pork for the best flavor. If you’re using leaner meat, consider adding a splash more oil to keep the Picadillo moist.
Perfectly Cooked Veggies: Fry the potatoes and carrots until just shy of tender. Overcooking them can make them mushy, losing that wonderful texture.
Mind the Seasoning: Taste the mixture as it simmers and adjust salt and spices accordingly. Every palate is different, so make it as flavorful as you like!
Elevate with Freshness: Adding green onions or cilantro as a garnish before serving adds a fresh pop and enhances the overall presentation of your Filipino Picadillo.
Filipino Picadillo Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right vegetables for Filipino Picadillo?
Absolutely! When selecting vegetables like potatoes and carrots, look for ones that are firm and free of dark spots. Choose fresh, vibrant ingredients to ensure a delightful flavor and texture in your dish. Your carrots should snap easily when broken, and potatoes should feel heavy for their size.
What s the best way to store leftover Filipino Picadillo?
Store your delicious leftover Filipino Picadillo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freezing is a fantastic option!
Can I freeze Filipino Picadillo?
Yes, you can! To freeze, portion out the Picadillo into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw the container in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out, and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What if my Pasta or Rice is too sticky?
If your rice is sticky during cooking, you may have used too little water or overcooked it. To fix sticky rice next time, rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until it runs clear. This removes excess starch, resulting in fluffy grains. Additionally, be sure to follow the water measurement closely double the amount of water to rice!
Are there any dietary considerations for Filipino Picadillo?
Very! This recipe includes both meat and fish sauce, which might not be suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies. If you need a vegetarian version, consider substituting the meats with plant-based protein and using soy sauce to maintain umami flavor. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs!
How can I add extra flavor to the Picadillo?
To elevate your Picadillo, you can add herbs and spices like bay leaves or fresh cilantro just before serving. They bring a fresh element that enhances the overall dish. Also, don t hesitate to adjust the chili garlic paste for more heat or incorporate your favorite seasonings to personalize it!