Who said comfort food can’t be quick, healthy, and Filipino-flavored? This one uses canned corned beef for speed, swaps potatoes for cabbage, and packs serious flavor. Think: Filipino corned beef, tender cabbage, a bit of crunch, and a whole lot of yum.
Whether you call it corned beef Philippines style or classic pinoy corned beef, this dish rocks. It’s budget-friendly, pantry-ready, and a dinner winner on busy nights.
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If you love corned beef but want a lighter, veggie-forward twist, this Filipino corned beef and cabbage recipe is it. Instead of the usual potatoes, green cabbage takes the spotlight. The savory corned beef is still there, just not overwhelming, so you get all the comfort with a little less guilt.
At home, I’ll often cook the classic corned beef and potatoes for my kids (their fave), then sneak a spoonful of the beef to make my own cabbage version. Everybody wins.
For breakfast, I often serve dishes like longganisa, tocino, and fried rice alongside warm pandesal. Taho, a sweet tofu treat, is another favorite that rounds out the morning meal with a comforting touch. These breakfast options bring a variety of flavors and textures to the table, offering something for everyone.
This easy and flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Why You’ll Love This Filipino Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Fast & easy pantry meal — no tedious prep
- Uses canned corned beef (hello, convenience)
- Cabbage instead of potatoes = lighter but still hearty
- Totally adaptable for breakfast, lunch, or corned beef rice side
- Great base for spin-offs like corned beef hash, or corned beef rice
Recipe Ingredients
- Canned Corned Beef: This ready-to-use canned corned beef brings a hearty, savory flavor to the dish, making it a convenient and flavorful base for stir-frying. Its rich taste pairs perfectly with the mild cabbage.
- Cabbage: Fresh cabbage adds a satisfying crunch and mild sweetness, balancing out the savory corned beef and enhancing the dish’s texture with each bite.
- Aromatics (Garlic and Onion): Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic base, while onions contribute sweetness and depth, complementing the richness of the corned beef.
- Seasoning (Salt and Pepper): Simple but essential, salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the corned beef and cabbage, creating a well-rounded taste.
- Sugar/Sugar Substitute (Optional): A small amount of sugar or sugar substitute can help balance the savory and salty flavors, providing a subtle sweetness that elevates the overall taste of the stir-fry.
How to Make Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a bit of cooking oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the canned corned beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula or fork and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the corned beef mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors (optional).
- Once the cabbage is tender and cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Serve hot as a main dish with white rice or as a side dish.
🌶️Make it Spicy!
Instead of regular corned beef, opt for the spicy Delimondo corned beef variant or enhance the dish with chopped chili for an extra kick of heat and bold flavor. This variation adds a fiery twist to the classic corned beef and cabbage, perfect for spice enthusiasts like me!
Perfect Sides and Pairings
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of corned beef and cabbage perfectly. The fluffy texture of the rice balances the richness of the dish. (hello, corned beef rice)
- Garlic Fried Rice: Add extra flavor to your meal with garlic fried rice. The garlicky goodness pairs well with the savory corned beef and tender cabbage.
- Fried Eggs or Jammy Eggs: Serve with a sunny-side-up, fried egg or jammy on top for a complete meal. The runny yolk adds a delicious richness to each bite.
- Atchara (Pickled Papaya): The tangy and sweet flavors of atchara provide a refreshing contrast to the savory corned beef and cabbage. It also adds a nice crunch to the meal.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Add some color and nutrients with a side of sautéed vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or bok choy. They complement the main dish and make the meal more balanced.
- Pandesal: Enjoy this dish with warm pandesal (Filipino bread rolls). They are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices and flavors from the corned beef and cabbage.
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A simple salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing and tangy element to the meal.
- Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino Spring Rolls): These crispy and flavorful spring rolls make a great appetizer or side dish, adding variety and extra crunch to your meal.
Recipe FAQs
It’s a Filipino-style corned beef dish, usually using canned corned beef (cornbeef) sautéed with onions, garlic, and sometimes potatoes or cabbage.
You can, but prep and cook time go up. You’d need to simmer and shred the beef first. Canned is much faster for weeknights.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or oil to keep it from drying.
This Filipino corned beef and cabbage combo is proof comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or heavy. It’s fast, flavorful, and totally adaptable — whether you’re craving simplicity or want to riff into corned beef rice, hash, or breakfast bowls.
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Filipino Corned Beef and Cabbage
Equipment
- 1 wok or pan
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Canned Corned Beef
- 1 head whole cabbage Cabbage chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic crushed
- 1 cup onion chopped
- Seasoning: Salt pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Sugar/ sugar substitute optional
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a bit of cooking oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the canned corned beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula or fork and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the corned beef mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors (optional).
- Once the cabbage is tender and cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Serve hot as a main dish with rice or as a side dish. Enjoy your canned corned beef and cabbage!
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