Fire up the grill because it's time to talk about the perfect accompaniments to your Filipino BBQ.
You've got the skewers ready, the charcoal glowing, and those marinated meats promising a feast of flavors.
Next up? Sides that will wrap this BBQ party in a ribbon of success.
From tangy pickles to refreshing salads, each side dish on our list promises to enhance the smoky, savory taste of your main event.
Ready to make your BBQ spread the talk of the town? Read on for the seven best side dishes that will complete your meal.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Filipino BBQ?
While foods under Filipino BBQ are yummy and tempting, you can't eat large quantities because consuming lots of meat isn't safe.
You need side dishes to go along with the inihaw to have a balanced meal.
If you are serving Filipino BBQ during a party, serving side dishes will be more practical.
Besides, combining two or more amazing dishes can enhance the flavors, and you satisfy your hunger and cravings.
What to Serve with Filipino BBQ? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Take a look at the following side dishes, which you can serve with Filipino BBQ.
1. Garlic Fried Rice
What better than some fried rice to go along with inihaw?
Rice in any form is a good accompaniment to most dishes so that you can serve it with Filipino BBQ.
You can make fried rice in many ways and with different ingredients.
You can add or omit items according to preference.
Garlic fried rice is easy to make, and you can do it in large quantities.
However, make sure to use cold rice.
Cook it in advance and refrigerate the rice uncovered for about half an hour.
Add scallions, garlic, salt, and pepper and fry it in vegetable oil.
You can also include some fried eggs if you want.
2. Homemade Creamy Coleslaw
Yes, it's a common dish, but only because it combines well with many dishes.
Coleslaw is an ideal side dish for barbeques so that you can serve it with Filipino BBQ.
On the one hand, you have crispy, charred, and juicy meat, while on the other, you have crunchy, fresh, and creamy coleslaw.
Together, they make the perfect meal, and you can satisfy your cravings without overloading your palate.
For once, you can also forget about store-bought coleslaw and make a homemade version.
You need a handful of ingredients, including cabbage, mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream, carrots, red onions, dill, chives, parsley or coriander, white wine vinegar, paprika, and Dijon mustard.
3. Filipino Spring Rolls
Do you like spring rolls? If yes, then good because you won't enjoy eating inihaw more than with Filipino spring rolls, also called lumpia.
Lumpia looks like regular spring rolls, and they have crunchy, crispy wraps and yummy, aromatic fillings.
The rolls come in different incarnations, and they can be unfried or unwrapped.
While you can add ingredients of your choice, the usual items include pork, shrimp, egg, carrot, celery, and soy sauce.
Make plenty if you serve lumpia at a party and enjoy them with the Filipino BBQ.
Add a dipping sauce to make it a perfect meal.
4. Filipino Okra
It may seem odd, but Filipino okra is also a suitable side dish to eat with lumpia.
The okra and spring rolls make an excellent combo, and you can have a complete meal even with just the two items.
Okra has a slimy texture, so that it can bother some people.
If that's the case with you, there is one way not to make it slimy.
Soak or boil the veggie in cider vinegar for thirty minutes before cooking.
It's also an easy dish to make as you only have to blanch the okra in tangy vegetable broth.
5. Poqui Poqui
It's another Filipino dish, and poqui poqui is an item you can serve with the inihaw.
If you have not tasted roasted eggplants before, this dish is the one to try.
Poqui poqui is a dish consisting of several veggies like eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, and eggs.
It's also called poki poki or puke, so don't get confused if you see these versions.
They are the same dish but may contain a few different ingredients.
People often eat poqui poqui at breakfast, but it's also a good side dish so that you can eat it any time.
Since it's a popular delicacy, it can also be an ideal item to serve during a special occasion.
6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
How can a list of side dishes be complete without including the humble potatoes? The spuds taste great with most items, including Filipino BBQ, so it's a suitable side dish to serve with inihaw.
Creamy mashed potatoes are delicious, easy to make, and nutritious.
Potatoes contain vitamins antioxidants and are a good source of fiber.
You only need a few ingredients to make the dish, including potatoes, butter, milk, crème fraîche, salt, and pepper.
However, make sure to use the right potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward to develop a smooth and silky texture.
7. Cucumber Tomato Salad
It's the perfect item to complete the list of side dishes that you can pair with Filipino BBQ.
A fresh bowl of cucumber tomato salad can balance the flavors and refresh your palate.
Cucumber tomato salad is simple but packs full of flavor.
You can also make the item with few ingredients but come up with a crunchy and yummy salad.
Slice cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes, and add your favorite dressing.
Add a pinch of salt and other seasonings of your preference.
Serve it with Filipino BBQ, and everyone will have a blast and enjoy the meal.
If you have more veggies, you can include other items and create a mixed veggie salad.
