What To Serve With Filipino Adobo? (21 Best Side Dishes)

I’m a Filipino, and I heart ❤️ adobo like nobody's business. Finding the perfect side dish to go with this savory delight is essential. Whether it’s classic chicken adobo, pork adobo, or adobong gulay, the right side dish can make your meal complete.

Check out these 21 mouthwatering side dishes that pair perfectly with Filipino adobo. Each one enhances the rich, tangy flavors of adobo in the best way. From garlic fried rice to pickled papaya, these sides will seriously elevate your dining experience.

Kain po tayo! 🍽️

A photo of adobo accompanied by a text overlay highlighting diverse side dish pairings.

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Why You'll Love These Adobo Side Dishes?

Versatility: These side dishes cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Easy Preparation: Many of these sides are quick and simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Cultural Authenticity: These side dishes are rooted in Filipino cuisine, providing an authentic dining experience that celebrates traditional flavors and cooking methods.
Sweet and Savory: Sweet side dishes like turon and ube pandesal balance the savory adobo, creating a delightful contrast.
Family-Friendly: These side dishes are loved by both kids and adults, making them perfect for family meals and gatherings.
Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a diverse spread of side dishes that beautifully complement your adobo, making any meal feel special.

1 Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag)

A perfect companion to Filipino chicken adobo, garlic fried rice absorbs the savory sauce and enhances the dish's depth of flavor. Made with day-old jasmine rice and a whole head of garlic, this side dish is easy to prepare.

A plate of fried rice topped with longganisa (Filipino sausage) and a fried egg. The fried rice is a light yellow color and has a fluffy texture.

2 Steamed Jasmine Rice

Light and fluffy, steamed jasmine rice is a classic side that balances the rich flavors of adobo. This white rice variety is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is perfect for soaking up the tangy adobo sauce.

Fluffy white rice on a decorated small green bowl with chopsticks on the side and on top of a brown fabric and wooden board.

3 Pickled Papaya (Atchara)

Pickled papaya, or atsara, adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of adobo. This side dish is made by pickling unripe papaya in vinegar, sugar, and spices, creating a sweet and sour flavor profile.

Mason jar filled with atchara, a traditional Filipino pickled green papaya relish, showcasing its vibrant colors and tangy flavor.

4 Crispy Fried Tofu

Crispy fried tofu is a vegetarian option that pairs well with the tangy adobo sauce. The tofu is lightly coated in cornstarch and fried in hot oil until golden and crispy.

Tofu sisig on black sizzling pan with calamansi an chili on the side.

5 Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs often simmered in adobo sauce, add depth of flavor and are a classic side dish for pork adobo. These eggs absorb the savory sauce, enhancing their taste.

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6 Sautéed Green Beans

Light and healthy, sautéed green beans with a touch of garlic balance the savory adobo sauce perfectly. Cooked over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil, this side dish is quick and easy.

7 Pancit Canton

Pancit canton, stir-fried noodles with fresh herbs and vegetables, provides a carb-rich side that pairs well with Filipino dishes.

8 Mango Salad

A refreshing, sweet, and tangy cucumber salad, mango salad enhances the depth of flavor in Filipino chicken adobo. This salad combines ripe mangoes, cucumbers, and red onions, tossed in a dressing of calamansi juice, fish sauce, and a little salt.

Salsa de mango on a wooden bowl with wooden spoon and a tblue and white table cloth on the side.

9 Gising-Gising

Gising-Gising is a spicy green beans and coconut milk dish that adds a hint of heat and richness to your adobo meal. This traditional Filipino dish is cooked with ground pork, green beans, and coconut milk, creating a creamy and spicy side.

Wooden bowl filled with aromatic gising gising featuring tender green beans, smoked tinapang bangus flakes, and creamy coconut milk, a traditional Filipino delicacy

10 Ensaladang Talong (Eggplant Salad)

Grilled eggplant with tomatoes and onions, known as ensaladang talong, provides a smoky, tangy side to balance the adobo's richness. The eggplant is charred over medium heat until tender, then mixed with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a splash of white vinegar.

11 Cornbread

Cornbread offers a slight twist with a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the savory adobo sauce.

12 Tomato and Onion Salad

Fresh and simple with a splash of vinegar, tomato and onion salad enhances the rich, tangy flavors of adobo

A bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes and onions, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The vegetables are vibrant in color and look fresh and appetizing.

13 Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries add a sweet contrast to the savory adobo sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful dish. These fries are seasoned with a little salt and baked until crispy and sometimes dipped in Filipino Banana Catsup.

14 Kangkong with Garlic

Sautéed water spinach with a whole head of garlic, known as kangkong with garlic, is perfect for balancing the rich flavors of Filipino adobo. This healthy side dish is cooked quickly over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil.

15 Fried Saba

Sweet, caramelized saba balance the tangy adobo sauce, adding a delightful hint of sweetness. These plantains are sliced and fried in hot oil until golden brown.

Slices of golden brown fried saba (plantains) on a white plate.

16 Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam)

Ube halaya, a sweet, dessert-like side made from purple yam, pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavors of adobo. This Filipino favorite is cooked with coconut milk and condensed milk, creating a rich and creamy jam.

Vibrant purple ube halaya/jam spread evenly in a rectangular 9x13 dish, showcasing its smooth texture and rich color, ready to be served.

17 Taho (Silken Tofu with Syrup and Tapioca)

Taho, a sweet and light side dish, offers a contrast to the savory adobo. Made with silken tofu, syrup, and tapioca pearls, this traditional Filipino snack is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat.

A warm breakfast or snack of Filipino taho, featuring layers of soft tofu, translucent sago pearls, and a sweet brown sugar sauce, all contained in a glass.

18 Macaroni Salad

Filipino-style macaroni salad with mayonnaise, chicken, and pineapple provides a creamy and tangy side to complement adobo. This salad is a staple at Filipino gatherings and pairs wonderfully with the savory adobo.

A colorful bowl of chicken macaroni salad.

19 Turon (Banana Spring Rolls)

Sweet banana and jackfruit or ube, known as turon, add a dessert-like touch to your adobo meal.

Ube turon cut in half, revealing tender banana and rich purple yam filling inside.

20 Longganisa (Filipino Sausage)

Sweet and savory longganisa provides a robust flavor that pairs well with the tangy adobo sauce. The sweet and savory notes of the skinless chicken longganisa complement the rich adobo, making it a perfect side dish for those who enjoy bold flavors.

A plate of homemade skinless chicken longganisa sausages neatly stacked, showcasing their golden-brown, caramelized exterior, glistening with savory juices.

21 Ube Pandesal

Soft and fluffy ube pandesal, Filipino bread rolls with a sweet purple yam filling, adds a delightful twist to your adobo meal. These bread rolls are made with ube, a popular Filipino ingredient, creating a unique and flavorful side dish.

Freshly baked purple ube pandesal on top of a baking rack.

So, whether you're feeding the family or just indulging in some solo comfort food, these adobo side dishes are here to make your meal unforgettable.

They’re like the perfect wingman to your adobo recipes – each one adds a little extra zing, crunch, or sweetness.

Recipe FAQs

What side dishes go with adobo?

Adobo pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, which soaks up the rich sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment. Other great side dishes include sautéed vegetables, pickled papaya (atchara), or a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Who normally eats adobo?

Adobo is a beloved dish in Filipino households and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It's commonly served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions, making it a staple in Filipino cuisine.

Why is Filipino adobo so good?

Filipino adobo is incredibly flavorful due to its perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, often enhanced by garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. Its versatility allows for various meat options and cooking styles, making it a comforting and satisfying dish loved by many.

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