15 Budget Ulam Ideas for Everyday Cooking
It is often confusing when you have to choose the daily meals that meet your taste, are healthy and also fit in your budget. Choosing budget-friendly Ulam dishes does not mean you have to compromise on health. You just need to shift your attention from expensive Ulam ideas to affordable Ulam ideas that offer good nutrition, yummy taste and also fit in your budget.
There are so many types of Ulam Recipes available in the Philippines. From chicken to pork and fish to shrimp plus vegetables and hotdogs, everything is used for cooking Ulam dishes. From a vast range of Filipino ulam meals, I have selected 15 budget-friendly ulam ideas that you can afford to buy and use for everyday cooking for your family.
Budget Ulam Ideas Under ₱50
#1. Ginisang Sardinas
Ginisang Sardinas is an easy, quick and budget-friendly Filipino Ulam Dish to cook at home. This yummy Ulam recipe is made with canned Sardines (in tomato sauce) and common ingredients like garlic, onion, tomatoes and others.
Get a pan or pot and heat up some cooking oil. Saute minced garlic, sliced onion and chopped tomatoes in hot oil. Wait for the garlic to turn golden, onion to become soft and tomatoes to become soft & saucy. Then add 1 Can of Sardines with sauce and stir slowly.
Now, slowly cook the Sardines with all ingredients for 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to adjust the taste, your dish is ready. You can add some chilly to make it spicy. The Ginisang Sardinas is a perfect Ulam dish with yummy taste, nutrients and quick cooking time still fits in low budget under ₱50.
#2. Ginisang Itlog at Kamatis
Ginisang Itlog at Kamatis is a simple and savory Ulam dish. It requires 2 to 3 eggs, tomatoes and common ingredients like onions. It is one of healthy budget Ulam recipes under rich in protein.
The total cost is below ₱50, ideal for Filipino Families with a tight budget for meals. The tomatoes make this Ulam fresh and savory. You can add some water to make it more saucy.
Cooking Ginisang Itlog at Kamatis is very easy. First saute onions in hot cooking oil, then add tomatoes and then beat the eggs one-by-one, then stir it and cook for a while, then add some pepper and salt to finish. This Ulam Dish pairs perfectly with hot rice to make a complete meal.
#3. Tuyo with Tomatoes
Tuyo with Tomatoes is a fish Ulam recipe that offers yummy taste, protein and yet fits in the low cost of ₱50 for middle class Filipino Families. In Tagalog, Tuyo means dried salted fish, to prepare the Tuyo with Tomatoes Dish, you need to fry the Tuyo (Dried Fish) to turn them crispy on the outside.
Get the fried Tuyo out of the pan and put in other plate. Now saute garlic in the same pan, the add slice tomatoes and cook them till they turn soft. Add the fried Tuyo and mix them properly. Cook for 2 minutes and your Tuyo with Tomatoes Ulam is ready.
You need 3 to 4 pieces of dried salted fish to cook Tuyo with Tomatoes Ulam at home. Once the Ulam is ready, you can pair it with simple steamed rice or garlic rice or fried rice as per your taste choice.
#4. Adobong Sitaw (without Meat)
Adobong Sitaw is a low budget Ulam Dish that offers savory taste. Generally, the Adobong Sitaw Ulam uses string beans and pork or chicken meat, but here I have eliminated the meat to make this Filipino Ulam Recipe fit in the budget.
In order to cook Adobong Sitaw, you need one bunch of string beans with some soy sauce, garlic, vinegar and cooking oil. You should saute garlic in hot oil in a pan, then add Sitaw (string beans) and cook for 2 minutes. Then pour vinegar, soy sauce and water, simmer for 5 minutes.
At the end, add some salt and pepper to get your Adobong Sitaw Ulam ready to eat. Pair it with steamed rice and enjoy this soupy Ulam with your family. Pair these dishes with recipes from our Vegetable Ulam Ideas for a balanced diet.
Budget Ulam Ideas Under ₱80
#5. Tokwa’t Toyo
Tokwa’t Toyo is a healthy Ulam recipe for Filipino People with a tight budget. If you are student looking for a protein rich cheap meal under ₱80 then Tokwa’t Toyo is the best Filipino Ulam Dish for you. For vegan and vegetarian people, this recipe is a good alternative to meat dishes.
You should buy two blocks of Tofu (Tokwa) and cut them into small cubes. Then fry the Tofu in hot oil, wait till they turn golden. Thereafter make dipping sauce by mixing garlic, onion, chili and vinegar with soy sauce.
Pour the sauce over fried Tofu and wait for Tofu to absorb the sauce flavour. After a few minutes, serve it as an Ulam with steamed white rice on the dinner table.
#6. Sardinas with Misua
Sardinas with Misua is a Filipino Ulam Soup made with canned Sardines and Misua Noodles. If your family (especially kids) like noodles then the Sardinas with Misua is a perfect Ulam dish for you, it is not only yummy and tangy but also contains protein and other nutrients.
Sardinas with Misua is a good Ulam option for rainy season when meat is not available easily and you want to eat something warm & soupy. You need one can of Sardines in tomato sauce, one pack of Misua Noodles and some veggies like Malunggay or Pechay to make the Ulam more filling to serve more people.
#7. Ginisang Repolyo with Egg
Ginisang Repolyo with Egg is a budget-friendly Filipino Ulam Recipe to complete your meal. This Ulam Dish is prepared with two main ingredients called Cabbage (Repolyo) and the Egg. The Egg contains protein, while the Cabbage provides Vitamin C, K and Fiber.
With a half cabbage and 2-3 eggs, you can cook this Ginisang Repolyo with Egg Ulam Dish at home. Saute garlic and onion in a pan with some hot oil. Add chopped cabbage and stir-fry for 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and 1 spoon soy sauce.
Beat the eggs in a separate pot/bowl and pour it in the pan. Stir gently to mix-up the yolk with cabbage to finish. When the cabbage is coated with egg yolk, your Ulam dish is ready.
#8. Tuna Omelet
Tuna Omelet is an easy to cook Ulam dish that offers a protein rich meal at an affordable cost under ₱80 only. The eggs contain protein, while the Tuna (Fish) contains Vitamin B12, Potassium and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. So, it is one of the healthy Fish Ulam Ideas for Dinner on Sunday.
As the egg yolk mixes with tomato gravy and other ingredients, it creates a creamy Ulam dish to offer the delicious refreshing taste. You can make this Filipino Fish Ulam more filling by adding some leftover vegetables to it.
The Tuna Omelet is a complete meal with protein, vitamin and healthy fatty acids. It is easy to cook, it saves money and it still succeeds to satisfy your taste buds.
Budget Ulam Ideas Under ₱120
#9. Ginisang Monggo with Small Pork
Ginisang Monggo with Small Pork is a rich and healthy Ulam for serving multiple family members. It is prepared with two main ingredients Mung Beans and Pork Pieces/Cubes. It offers a delicious and filling meal without putting much burden on your pocket.
You must wash the Mung Beans before use and boil them in water for 20 minutes. In order to cook Ginisang Monggo with Small Pork, you need to saute garlic, onion and tomatoes in hot oil. Add small pieces of pork and cook them till they turn brown.
Now add boiled Mung Beans and simmer them for 15 minutes. Then add Malunggay Leaves and cook for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper at last and the Ulam dish is ready. For richer and more filling dishes, check out our Pork Ulam Recipes.
#10. Chicken Pastil (with Chicken Breast)
Chicken Pastil is a budget Ulam dish with yummy taste and filled with nutrients. It requires one chicken breast and other common ingredients to prepare Chicken Pastil Ulam Recipe at home. You can cook this yummy Ulam in less than ₱120 budget.
You need to boil the chicken breast with salt in water for 20 minutes. As the chicken is cooked, shred it using a fork, keep the broth for adding it later. Saute garlic and onion in hot cooking oil in a pan.
Add shredded chicken breast into pan and stir properly. Pour the broth and soy sauce. Keep cooking till the broth is absorbed or evaporated. Add salt and pepper, then serve Chicken Pastil with hot steamed rice to your family members.
If you’re looking for more protein-packed meals, you can explore these delicious Chicken Ulam Ideas.
#11. Pork Giniling (Low Quantity)
Pork Giniling is a budget pork Ulam dish cooked using the ground pork as the main ingredient. Cooking Pork Giniling is very easy and it takes a little time to get ready.
The pork quantity is just 200 grams, you can add potatoes, carrots and other vegetables to make the Ulam more filling and serve more people. Check New Vegetable Ulam Ideas Philippines for everyday cooking. So, adding pork makes Ulam more expensive, while vegetables are affordable and nutritious i.e. good for health.
Saute garlic and onion in a hot oil pan. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add ground pork and cook till it turns brown. Add potatoes and carrots, mix them well. Add water plus soy sauce and simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to finish.
#12. Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg
Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg is a bitter Ulam dish in budget. This recipe is only for the people who like the bitter taste. There are two main ingredients of this Filipino Ulam Recipe, these ingredients are Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya) and Egg. If you are fine with slightly bitter taste then this Ulam dish is made for you.
Considering the health factor, Ampalaya has multiple vitamins and the Egg contains protein. So the Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg is a healthy Ulam dish in the budget of ₱120 which affordable. The Egg Yolk makes it feel creamy when eating. The complete dish gets cooked in 20 to 25 minutes and it pairs well with rice.
Budget Ulam Ideas Under ₱150
#13. Chicken Adobo
Chicken Adobo is one of the best Filipino Chicken Ulam Recipes that every Filipino loves to eat. It is known for the rich and savory taste it offers when eating with hot rice. For cooking Chicken Adobo Ulam at home, you should get chicken thighs because they are perfect for this Ulam dish.
In order to prepare Chicken Adobo Dish, you need to cook the chicken with a mixture of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce and other spices. You should add 3 bay leaves and a half spoon black pepper to make the Chicken Adobo more delicious and satisfying.
With a budget of ₱150, you can get 500 gram chicken and cook it as Chicken Adobo Ulam to pair it with steamed rice and eat with your friends or family members.
#14. Chicken Tinola
Chicken Tinola is a protein rich, ginger based Filipino Ulam Recipe that also fits in your budget. So, it is an affordable Ulam dish that you can cook on Sunday or any other day you want. The soupy form makes Chicken Tinola match perfectly with steamed rice, while some people love eating Chicken Tinola Soup alone.
Chicken Tinola Ulam Soup is my favorite dish in cold weather and rainy days. You can add some veggies like Green Papaya or Chayote and Malunggay or Chili Leaves if you want to make it more filling and nutritious.
Cut the chicken into service size pieces. Saute garlic, onion and ginger in hot oil. Add chicken pieces and cook till it turns brown. Pour water and boil it, add fish sauce and simmer for 20 minutes. Add vegetables and cook them for a while. Soon the Chicken Tinola will be ready.
#15. Pinakbet with Pork
Pinakbet with Pork is a savory and salty Ulam dish paired with hot rice in the Philippines. The Filipino Families consider Pinakbet as a healthy Ulam recipe and they add a small portion of pork to make it feel rich and more delicious. You can check best Pork Ulam ideas to learn about different pork recipes.
In order to cook Pinakbet with Pork at home, you need to spend 30 minutes in the kitchen. Saute garlic and onion in a pot with hot oil. Add pork pieces and cook till they turn brown. Pour water, then add squash, eggplant, okra and sitaw, simmer them for a few minutes.
Pour shrimp paste and mix it properly. Close the pot lid and cook till the vegetables turn soft. Add salt and pepper to adjust the taste. When Pinakbet with Pork Ulam is ready, serve it with steamed rice and enjoy.
How to Reduce Cost of Ulam Recipe
In order to reduce the cost of Ulam Recipe in routine life, you must have awareness about the seasonal things that are used in Ulam. For example: Some vegetables and fish are cheaper during peak season and they become expensive during off-season.
Here I provide five useful tips to prepare a healthy Ulam in your budget by reducing the cost of Ulam Dishes in your daily meals.
[1] Add Seasonal Vegetables:
You should learn about the seasonal vegetables as they are available at cheaper prices in peak season time. Use more vegetables to reduce the cost of Ulam in daily life.
[2] Prefer Fish in Peak Season:
Fish is a good alternative in seasonal days. Some fish like Tuyo, Tinola, etc. are available at low prices yet they make the Ulam more filling and healthy with protein, Omega-3 and Vitamin B12 nutrients.
[3] Add Cheap Protein Tofu:
Tofu is the best alternative to expensive protein ingredients. Whether you want it for make a large meal or just for reducing the cost, you can add one or two blocks of Tofu to make your Ulam rich in protein still it will be affordable for you.
[4] Add Eggs, Reduce Chicken/Pork:
The chicken and pork are more expensive compared to eggs. The Egg also contains protein that is not only good for health but its yolk turns the Ulam dish more creamy and delicious. So, replacing chicken or pork with eggs can help you save money yet get a flavourful Ulam dish for the dinner.
[5] Buy from Local Market, Not Supermarket:
The groceries and cooking ingredients are cheaper at local markets compared to a supermarket. So, always prefer to buy from a local west market near you and avoid going to large mall-type supermarkets. If you visit the local market a few minutes before closing time, you may get more discount on some products.
You can follow these five tips to get the fresh products at cheaper prices for Healthy Ulam recipes and save your valuable money to make budget-friendly Ulam dishes at home.
Summary:
The cheap Ulam ideas can save your money yet offer a healthy meal and some taste as well. You can manage to have different Ulam dishes every new day yet keep your meals fit in your monthly budget.
Above I have shared 15 budget-friendly Ulam ideas for you and other Filipino Families and Students. Whether your budget is as low as ₱50 or as high as ₱150, you can find an easy Ulam dish here in your desired budget.
In case you still have a query or doubt about budget Ulam ideas in Philippines, you can ask your query in the comment section below. Here I am sharing some common questions and their answers in brief, check the FAQs to learn more about affordable Ulam recipes for Filipino Families.
