There’s something about seafood that instantly brings me back home.
Growing up, my mom would cook fish almost every other day — sometimes daing, sometimes sinigang na hipon, sometimes paksiw na bangus. And kahit gaano ako ka-busy now as a mom, those flavors still feel like comfort. They’re simple, healthy, and so easy to prepare… especially on weekdays when you just want dinner done fast.
Plus, let’s be honest — minsan, sawa na tayo sa chicken at pork. 😂
A good seafood dish refreshes the table and the tastebuds.
This year, I promised myself to cook more seafood for the family. And surprisingly, the kids love it! Twinkle is obsessed with shrimp, Ykaie loves salmon, and even Daddydoodledoo is now a bangus convert (miracles happen 😅).
So here are 7 Filipino seafood recipes we’ve been loving — classics mixed with a few modern twists.
1. Sinigang na Hipon
A classic, a lifesaver, a rainy-day superstar.
I always keep frozen shrimp in the freezer because sinigang is the easiest dish when life is hectic. The moment the house smells like sampalok broth… ahhh, peace.
Serve with patis + sili on the side. Perfection.
2. Bangus Paksiw (with a Twist!)
Lately, I’ve been cooking paksiw with a little bit of oil to sauté the garlic and ginger first.
Grabe — it makes a huge difference.
It tastes richer, more aromatic, and not as maasim as the traditional version.
We ate this twice in one week. No regrets.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp
This one disappears FAST in our house.
I love how easy it is — 10 minutes, and you’re done.
The buttery sauce + garlic + shrimp combo is magic.
Ykaie eats it with rice.
Twinkle eats it with her fingers (tuwang-tuwa).
I eat it straight from the pan. No shame.
4. Baked Salmon with Calamansi
A simple, elegant dish you can prepare even when you’re exhausted.
Rub with salt + pepper, drizzle calamansi, top with butter and garlic, and bake.
The result: soft, flaky salmon that feels restaurant-level.
Perfect for “I want something healthy pero ayoko magluto” nights.
5. Tinolang Tahong
This tastes like beach food.
Every time I cook it, I feel like I’m on a quick summer getaway — kahit nasa kusina lang talaga ako.
Sautéed with ginger, onions, and a splash of water, ginisang tahong is budget-friendly and surprisingly filling.
Daddydoodledoo pairs it with beer.
I pair it with quiet time. 😂
6. Tuna Sisig (Budget-Friendly!)
Canned tuna, but make it exciting.
Mix with onions, mayo, calamansi, and a bit of chili.
Sizzle in a pan until slightly crispy.
Serve with rice or on top of pandesal — masarap both ways.
It’s one of my go-to dishes on tipid weeks.
7. Sweet & Spicy Squid Stir-Fry
This dish always impresses kahit sobrang simple lang.
The squid cooks fast (as in 3–5 minutes), and the sauce is a comforting mix of sweet, salty, and spicy.
Perfect when you want ulam na may konting “kick.”
Kids eat the non-spicy version.
Kami ni sis, the spicy one. 😁
Why Filipino Seafood Recipes Always Win
Seafood will always be part of our table because:
• It cooks fast
• It’s naturally flavorful
• It’s healthier
• It fits both budget and special days
• And most importantly… it feels like home
There’s always a sense of warmth and nostalgia in every Filipino seafood dish — whether it’s a rainy-day sinigang or a summer-inspired ginisang tahong.
What seafood dish should I cook next?
If you have a family favorite, let me know!
I love trying seafood recipes recommended by fellow moms — lalo na yung mga simple pero “wow” ang lasa.
