10 Quick and Easy Filipino Seafood Recipes That Anyone Can Make at Home

          Seafood is a staple in many Filipino households, not only because of its fresh flavor but also because it's quick to cook and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional or someone just starting in the kitchen, these Filipino seafood recipes are easy, budget-friendly and delicious.

          Let’s dive into 10 easy Filipino-style seafood recipes that you can make at home today!

1. Buttered Shrimp (Pinoy Style)

          Buttered shrimp Filipino style is one of the easiest and most flavorful seafood dishes you can prepare at home. With just a few ingredients like shrimp, butter, garlic and seasoning, you can whip up a savory, aromatic meal in under 20 minutes. The key is to use fresh shrimp and lots of garlic to bring out the rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with hot, steamed rice. 

          Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or looking for a quick seafood ulam for the family, this easy shrimp recipe Filipino style is sure to impress. It’s a go-to dish for many households because it's affordable, fast and full of flavor.

2. Adobong Pusit

          Adobong pusit is a flavorful twist on the classic Filipino adobo, using tender squid instead of the usual pork or chicken. This quick squid recipe Pinoy style is cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, onions, and bay leaves, giving it a savory, tangy flavor that Pinoys love. It's quick to prepare and doesn’t require complex steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The secret to the perfect squid adobo recipe is not overcooking the squid so it stays tender and juicy. 

          Serve it with hot rice and you’ve got a comforting, delicious seafood ulam that feels like home.

3. Seafood Kare-Kare

          A twist to the classic kare-kare, this version uses shrimp, crab and squid in a rich peanut sauce. Serve with bagoong for that authentic flavor!

          It’s a creative way to enjoy kare-kare if you want to skip red meat. Paired with bagoong, this Filipino seafood meal becomes a standout ulam for special occasions. The dish may sound fancy, but it’s quite simple when broken down step by step.

4. Ginataang Seafood

          Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, ginataang seafood is a favorite in many Filipino homes. This dish features a combination of shrimp, crab, mussels or squid simmered in gata (coconut milk) with garlic, onion, ginger and chili for that extra kick. It’s one of the best lutong-bahay seafood dishes, indulgent yet easy to prepare. The creaminess of the gata perfectly balances the natural sweetness of seafood, creating a flavorful meal that’s best served with rice.

5. Salmon Fillet Slab (Pinoy Style)

         Pan-seared or baked, the salmon fillet slab is a premium cut that’s easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. In Filipino-style cooking, it can be marinated in calamansi, soy sauce, and garlic for a local twist, then pan-fried until the skin is crispy and the inside is juicy. It’s perfect served with steamed rice and a side of atchara (pickled papaya) or “ensaladang-mangga” (green mango salad) to balance its rich, buttery flavor. For busy home cooks, this dish takes less than 20 minutes to prepare but tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. It's an excellent choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

6. Seafood Pasta Filipino Style

          Level up your spaghetti with shrimp, squid and mussels! This Filipino seafood pasta recipe is perfect for special occasions or Sunday lunches.

          If you’re craving pasta with a seafood twist, this Filipino seafood pasta is perfect. Made with a mix of shrimp, squid and mussels tossed in a tomato-based or cream sauce, it’s an easy way to elevate your usual spaghetti. This dish combines Western and Pinoy flavors, making it a favorite for birthdays, potlucks, and Sunday lunch. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes!

7. Tuna Cubes

          Tuna cubes are incredibly easy to cook and absorb flavor quickly, making them ideal for fast Filipino-style meals. A popular way to enjoy them is by marinating the cubes in a mix of calamansi juice, soy sauce, garlic, and crushed black pepper, then quickly pan-searing or grilling them for just a few minutes. You can also stir-fry them with onions and bell peppers for a quick ulam (main dish) or toss them into a spicy tuna sisig for pulutan or rice toppings. Rich in omega-3 and high in protein, tuna cubes are a hit for both health-conscious eaters and those craving something savory and satisfying.

8. Steamed Mussels with Garlic and Butter

         Simple yet elegant, this Filipino seafood recipe with few ingredients is ideal for beginners. All you need are mussels, garlic, butter and a bit of lemon.

          If you're short on time but want something impressive, try steamed mussels with garlic and butter. This Filipino seafood recipe with few ingredients is budget-friendly, fast, and flavorful. Just steam fresh “tahong” (mussels), then sauté with butter, garlic and a dash of calamansi or lemon juice. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish that works well even for beginners in the kitchen.

9. Sinigang na Hipon

         A beloved Filipino classic, Sinigang na Hipon is a comforting sour soup made with shrimp, tamarind and local vegetables like kangkong and labanos. This Filipino seafood soup is both refreshing and hearty, perfect for rainy days or when you’re craving something warm and tangy. It's a great dish for beginners because it’s simple to make and doesn’t require frying or complex techniques. Just boil, season, and serve, the perfect example of a seafood recipe for beginners in the Philippines.

10. Crab in Oyster Sauce

         Sauté crabs in oyster sauce, garlic, and green onions. This simple crab recipe Filipino style is perfect for special dinners or handaan.

         For something indulgent yet straightforward, cook crab in oyster sauce, a simple crab recipe Filipino style. Just sauté garlic and onion, add fresh crabs and oyster sauce, then simmer until the sauce thickens. It’s flavorful, saucy and perfect for pairing with rice. This dish is great for weekends or small celebrations when you want to impress without too much effort.

Why You Need To Try These Filipino Seafood Dishes?

          These lutong-bahay seafood dishes are not only quick and easy, but they also highlight the richness of Filipino cuisine. You don’t need fancy ingredients or chef-level skills, just fresh seafood, a bit of time and a love for Pinoy cooking.

          Whether you're preparing seafood ulam recipes for your family or experimenting with new dishes, these 10 options will surely satisfy your cravings.