The Sunday Dinner That Keeps on Giving
Every Sunday, I go all out in the kitchen — slow-cooked dishes, big servings, the works. I love watching my family eat together, laughing, kwentuhan, and just being in the moment. But once everyone’s full and I’m left staring at the mountain of dishes and leftover food in the fridge… the real challenge begins.
What do I do with all this ulam?
I used to feel guilty throwing away food, until I realized — leftovers aren’t the end of a meal, they’re the beginning of the next one. With a little creativity, you can stretch your Sunday love all the way to Monday (and beyond).
Here are my favorite leftover meal ideas for Filipino moms — tasty, practical, and totally guilt-free.
1. Adobo Fried Rice
If I had a peso for every time adobo saved breakfast, I’d be rich by now. 😂
Just chop up leftover adobo, fry some garlic, toss everything with rice, and drizzle a bit of that sauce for extra flavor. Add a sunny-side-up egg, and you’ve got a brand-new meal that’s actually better than the original.
2. Sinigang Fried Fish Patties
Leftover fried fish? Don’t let it dry out. Flake the meat, mix with a little mashed potato, some flour, and a dash of sinigang mix for that tangy punch. Pan-fry until golden.
It’s crunchy on the outside, soft inside — the kind of meal that surprises everyone when you say, “Leftovers lang ‘yan!”
3. Menudo Wraps
This is my secret weapon for baon and weekday lunches. Just grab leftover menudo, spoon it into tortillas with lettuce and cheese, then toast lightly.
It feels like a new dish — flavorful, satisfying, and easy to eat on the go. Plus, it’s a hit with my husband who loves “anything in a wrap.”
4. Tinola Rice Bowl
I’ll admit, I used to just reheat tinola and serve it again. But then I discovered this trick: shred the chicken, sauté garlic and rice, then pour in a bit of broth.
It turns into a comforting rice bowl that’s light yet filling — perfect for rainy days or when you just want something that feels like a hug.
5. Kare-Kare Pasta (Yes, Really!)
Now, hear me out — leftover kare-kare as pasta sauce? Genius. The peanut sauce is rich and creamy, and when tossed with noodles, it becomes something special. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and serve bagoong on the side.
It’s fusion at its best — Pinoy flavor with a twist.
There’s something so fulfilling about turning “yesterday’s food” into “today’s comfort.” It’s not just about saving money or avoiding waste — it’s about gratitude.
Because every leftover is proof that we’ve been fed, cared for, and blessed with more than enough. 💛
