Sweet Filipino Style Spaghetti

This nostalgic Filipino Spaghetti has been my comfort food since childhood, bringing the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and familiar flavors that make this dish uniquely Filipino. The combination of sweet tomato sauce, banana ketchup, hot dogs, and melty cheese creates a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti that both kids and adults adore.

I first made this dish for my American friends who were skeptical about sweet spaghetti, but they quickly became converts after their first bite. Now it's requested at every potluck I attend.

Ingredients

• Ground pork gives the perfect flavor base and is traditional in Filipino spaghetti but can be substituted with beef if preferred
• Dry spaghetti noodles should be cooked al dente to hold up to the hearty sauce
• Sweet style spaghetti sauce is a key ingredient look for Filipino brands like UFC or make your own by adding sugar to regular sauce
• Banana ketchup provides that distinctive sweet tangy flavor essential to authentic Filipino spaghetti
• Yellow onion and garlic create an aromatic foundation for the sauce
• Red hot dogs bring color and that nostalgic Filipino flavor sliced diagonally for better presentation
• Freshly grated cheese mild cheddar or processed cheese works wonderfully
• Cooking oil for sautéing the aromatics and browning the meat
• Salt and black pepper for seasoning to balance the sweetness
• Pasta water helps thicken the sauce while adding starch for better sauce adhesion

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Boil the spaghetti in generously salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. The pasta water is a secret ingredient that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Brown the Meat

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground pork and cook until nicely browned about 5 to 7 minutes. Break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant being careful not to burn it.

Combine Meat and Seasonings

Return the browned ground pork to the skillet with the aromatics. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes stirring regularly to blend the flavors.

Add the Hot Dogs

Add the diagonally sliced red hot dogs to the mixture. The diagonal slicing increases surface area for more flavor absorption. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally until the hot dogs are heated through and slightly curled.

Create the Sauce

Pour in the sweet style spaghetti sauce banana ketchup and reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes stirring occasionally allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

Final Assembly

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Transfer half of the prepared sauce to a separate bowl. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the remaining sauce tossing thoroughly to coat each strand.

Garnish and Serve

Plate the spaghetti and top with the reserved sauce and a generous amount of freshly grated cheese. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the pasta creating a deliciously gooey topping.

Save

My grandmother always added a pinch of sugar to the sauce even when using sweet spaghetti sauce. She said it brings out the flavor of the tomatoes while counteracting any acidity. This small touch makes a noticeable difference in the final taste profile and is a trick I continue to use in my own kitchen.

Storage Tips

This Filipino Spaghetti keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making it an excellent make ahead dish for busy weeknights or parties. When reheating, add a splash of water if the pasta seems dry, and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, store the pasta and sauce separately if possible, combining them only when reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

While traditional ingredients create the most authentic flavor, this recipe can be adapted to what you have on hand. Beef or chicken can replace pork for the ground meat component. If banana ketchup is unavailable, mix regular ketchup with a tablespoon of brown sugar. Vegans can substitute the meat with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms. For a healthier version, whole wheat pasta works well with this robust sauce, though the texture will be slightly different from the classic.

Serving Suggestions

In Filipino households, this spaghetti is often served alongside fried chicken at birthday parties or special gatherings. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the sweetness of the sauce. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. Many Filipinos enjoy this dish with steamed white rice on the side, which might seem unusual to Western diners but is delicious and helps balance the sweet flavor profile.

Cultural Context

Filipino Spaghetti reflects the country's history of Spanish and American colonial influences, combined with the Filipino preference for sweet flavors. Unlike Italian spaghetti, which emphasizes acidity and herbs, Filipino spaghetti embraces sweetness from banana ketchup, a World War II invention when tomatoes were scarce. The addition of hot dogs reflects American influence during the post war period. This dish is a staple at every Filipino celebration, particularly children's birthday parties, and has become a comfort food that connects Filipinos worldwide to their heritage and childhood memories.

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes Filipino Spaghetti different from Italian spaghetti?

Filipino Spaghetti is distinctively sweet compared to Italian versions, using banana ketchup and sweet-style tomato sauce. It also incorporates sliced hot dogs and typically uses a mix of ground pork rather than beef. The dish is topped with grated cheese that's often milder than traditional Parmesan.

→ Can I substitute the banana ketchup?

While banana ketchup is key to authentic Filipino Spaghetti, you can substitute with regular ketchup mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar. However, the unique fruity undertones of banana ketchup create the signature flavor, so try to find it at Asian grocery stores for the most authentic taste.

→ What kind of cheese works best for Filipino Spaghetti?

Traditionally, Filipino Spaghetti uses a mild cheese like processed cheese or cheddar. For authentic results, look for Filipino brands like Eden or Kraft Eden cheese, but mild cheddar, American cheese, or even mozzarella work well as substitutes.

→ Can I make Filipino Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually develops better flavor when made a day in advance. Store the sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine.

→ What sides pair well with Filipino Spaghetti?

Filipino Spaghetti is often served with garlic bread, fried chicken (especially at Filipino parties), or a simple side salad with vinaigrette. For authentic Filipino gatherings, it's commonly paired with pancit (Filipino noodles) and lumpia (Filipino spring rolls).

→ Can I freeze Filipino Spaghetti?

The sauce freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months in airtight containers. However, it's best to cook fresh pasta when ready to serve rather than freezing cooked spaghetti, which can become mushy when thawed.