Filipino Spaghetti with Hot Dogs and Banana Ketchup Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make that iconic sweet and savory comfort food that brightens up every Filipino gathering, then you’re in for a treat. This Filipino Spaghetti with Hot Dogs and Banana Ketchup Recipe is the perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor. I absolutely love how this recipe brings a little party into the ordinary spaghetti night — and once you try it, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays its own role in creating that classic Filipino spaghetti taste. You’ll want to pick fresh garlic and onions for great aromatics, and if you can find authentic banana ketchup, it’s a game-changer. The hot dogs are crucial here, so use your favorite kind — I prefer ones with a hint of smokiness.

• Lean ground pork: Adds a meaty base without too much fat — lean works best to avoid excess oil.
• Dry spaghetti: Classic spaghetti noodles hold the sauce beautifully; cook them al dente for the best texture.
• Sweet-style spaghetti sauce: This is your tomato foundation with a touch of sweetness; you can find Filipino brands or use your favorite sweet tomato sauce.
• Banana ketchup: This is the star giving that distinct fruity sweetness; if you’ve never tried it, it’s worth seeking out!
• Yellow onion: Finely chopped for subtle sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Minced, so it infuses every bite with warm aromatics.
• Red hot dogs: Diagonally sliced for fun shapes and that nostalgic chili dog flavor.
• Cooking oil: Choose a neutral one like vegetable or canola oil.
• Freshly grated cheese: Traditionally processed cheese – it melts perfectly and balances the sweetness.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to round out the flavors.
• Water (pasta water recommended): Helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating consistency.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Filipino Spaghetti with Hot Dogs and Banana Ketchup Recipe is how versatile it is. I sometimes tweak the proteins or adjust the sweetness to suit taste — feel free to make it your own!

• Meat options: Sometimes I swap ground pork for ground beef or a mix for deeper savory notes.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of chili flakes or sliced bell pepper can add a little heat and texture that my family enjoys.
• Cheese choices: While classic processed cheese is traditional, shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar work nicely if that’s what you have on hand.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace meat and hot dogs with sautéed mushrooms and tofu for a meatless version.

How to Make Filipino Spaghetti with Hot Dogs and Banana Ketchup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Perfectly

Start by boiling your dry spaghetti in plenty of salted water until it’s al dente — firm but not hard. I always taste a strand a minute or two before the package instructions say; you want just a little bite so it holds up under the sauce. Drain the spaghetti, but don’t toss the pasta water! Reserve about a quarter cup to help loosen your sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Pork

Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground pork and brown it well. I like to break it up with my spatula so it cooks evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy, then set the pork aside — you’ll add it back in soon.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics & Hot Dogs

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped yellow onion until it’s translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn! Then throw in your diagonally sliced red hot dogs and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, letting their flavors mingle and the edges brown slightly.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients & Simmer the Sauce

Add the browned ground pork back into the skillet with the onions, garlic, and hot dogs. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then pour in the sweet-style spaghetti sauce, banana ketchup, and reserved pasta water. Stir everything until combined and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally — this lets the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken just right.

Step 5: Toss in Spaghetti & Serve

Adjust the seasoning to your liking — sometimes I add a pinch more sugar or salt to balance it out. Then, transfer about half of the sauce into a separate bowl (this will be for topping your plated spaghetti). Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss it well to coat every noodle. Serve by placing the saucy spaghetti on plates or in a big serving dish, spooning the reserved sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle generously with freshly grated cheese — it melts beautifully over the warm spaghetti, making every bite dreamy.

How to Serve Filipino Spaghetti with Hot Dogs and Banana Ketchup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my Filipino spaghetti with a generous handful of freshly grated processed cheese because it melts so nicely, but you can also add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch. If you want a little zing, fresh chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds color, though it’s totally optional since this dish shines on its own.

Side Dishes

My family loves pairing this spaghetti with classic Filipino sides like garlic fried rice or lumpia (spring rolls). For a lighter touch, a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in vinegar balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I’ve served this spaghetti in colorful bowls topped with cheese and fun garnishes like sliced olives or roasted red peppers. You can also stuff it into small baguette rolls for a playful spaghetti sandwich twist that always gets a kick from the kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Filipino spaghetti keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container to keep the noodles from drying out. When reheating, a splash of water helps bring back that saucy consistency.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this spaghetti successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. To avoid the cheese separating or clumping after freezing, I usually skip adding the cheese until after reheating. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat Filipino spaghetti is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a little water or broth if it becomes too thick. Microwave works too, but be sure to cover it and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Filipino Spaghetti with Hot Dogs and Banana Ketchup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Every time I make it, it brings back fond memories of family celebrations and casual get-togethers. It’s sweet, savory, and cheesy — a combination that’s hard to resist. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a go-to comfort meal in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

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