Name: Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: ½ pound lean ground pork; 2 pieces diagonally sliced red hot dogs; 6 ounces dry spaghetti; 1 cup sweet-style spaghetti sauce; ⅓ cup banana ketchup; ¼ cup water (reserved pasta water); 1 small finely chopped yellow onion; 2 cloves minced garlic; ½ cup freshly grated cheese; 1 to 2 tablespoons cooking oil; Salt to taste; ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper

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I have to admit, Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brings back warm memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Its unique sweet and savory flavor profile sets it apart from the traditional Italian spaghetti, making every bite a delightful surprise. What’s truly special about this recipe is the use of banana ketchup—it adds a subtle fruity sweetness that perfectly balances the savory pork and hot dogs, creating a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or whipping something fun for a party, this Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe works like a charm. It’s straightforward, uses accessible ingredients, and offers a delicious way to switch up your pasta routine. Honestly, once you make it, you’ll find yourself wanting to keep this recipe in your regular rotation—like I do!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe plays a specific role in bringing out that signature sweet and savory harmony. When shopping, look for good-quality lean pork and sweet-style spaghetti sauce that complements the banana ketchup, which is really the secret star here.

Lean ground pork: Using lean pork helps keep the sauce hearty but not greasy—plus it browns beautifully for that rich flavor.
Dry spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti noodles work best here; cook them al dente for perfect texture to balance the saucy toppings.
Sweet-style spaghetti sauce: This brings the tomato base with some sweetness that plays nicely with the banana ketchup.
Banana ketchup: The Filipino pantry favorite adds a fruity, sweet twist that sets this dish apart from other spaghetti recipes.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped to infuse that natural sweetness and aroma into the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic boosts the savory depth and fragrance.
Red hot dogs: Diagonally sliced for even cooking and that unmistakable Filipino comfort food touch.
Freshly grated cheese: Adds creamy richness; I always recommend freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Cooking oil: Just a little to brown the meat and sauté the aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
Salt: For seasoning and balancing the sweetness.
Coarse black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that contrasts nicely with the sweeter notes.
Water (pasta water): Reserved from cooking the spaghetti to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.

Variations

I love making this Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe my own by tweaking ingredients based on what’s in the fridge or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—after all, food tastes best when it suits your style and palate.

Variation: Substitute red hot dogs with chicken or beef sausage for a different flavor profile—I’ve done this when I wanted a lighter version and it still turned out fantastic.
Variation: For a vegetarian twist, swap out ground pork and hot dogs for sautéed mushrooms and plant-based sausage; adjusting the seasoning ensures you retain the sweet-savory vibe.
Variation: Add diced bell peppers or grated carrots for extra veggies and a pop of color—my kids love the subtle crunch it brings.
Variation: If you like your spaghetti less sweet, reduce the banana ketchup slightly and add a splash of vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to balance the flavors.

How to Make Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting the water properly seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your dry spaghetti until it’s just al dente according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). I always taste a strand a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. Once done, drain the spaghetti but make sure to reserve about a ¼ cup of the pasta water; you’ll want this liquid magic later to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles.

Step 2: Browning the Ground Pork

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your cooking oil. Toss in the lean ground pork and break it apart with a spatula, so it browns evenly. This step takes patience—cook until the pork is nicely browned and no longer pink inside, about 7-8 minutes. Don’t rush or stir too frequently; letting it brown properly develops that deep, savory flavor that’s key to this dish. After that, drain any excess fat and set the pork aside.

Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add your chopped yellow onion and cook over medium heat until it turns translucent—about 3-4 minutes. This step brings out subtle sweetness and aroma. Then add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as garlic turns bitter if overcooked.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Now, return the browned ground pork to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Give everything a good stir and season with a pinch of salt and coarse black pepper. Let it cook 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally so flavors meld nicely.

Step 5: Adding the Hot Dogs

Time for the signature red hot dogs! Slice them diagonally for that classic Filipino spaghetti look, then add to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes over medium heat. I like letting them brown a bit to deepen their flavor and add a slight caramelized note—it really makes a difference.

Step 6: Simmering the Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce

Pour in your sweet-style spaghetti sauce, banana ketchup, and the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and build those rich, harmonious flavors. This step is key—don’t rush it! The sauce thickens and all the savory and sweet notes come alive here.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Give your sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning—add more salt or pepper if needed. Then, scoop out half of the sauce into a separate bowl; this extra serves as a topping that adds an authentic Filipino touch. Toss the rest of the sauce with the cooked spaghetti, coating every strand thoroughly.

Step 8: Serve and Cheese It Up

Plate your sauced spaghetti and spoon that reserved sauce over the top. Then, generously sprinkle with freshly grated cheese. Trust me, using freshly grated cheese—not pre-shredded—makes the dish creamy and luxuriously gooey. I usually go with a good melting cheese like quick-melt processed or cheddar blend, which gives that nostalgic Filipino spaghetti flavor.

How to Serve Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe

On a white marbled surface, there is a flat square pile of pink ground meat in the center. To the left of the meat, a bundle of uncooked pale yellow spaghetti lays vertically. Above the meat, three brown eggs are arranged in a loose triangle. Below the meat, three small white bowls hold different ingredients: on the left, a bowl of thick, dark red sauce; in the middle, shredded white cheese; and on the right, chopped white onions. Near the top left of the meat, two whole white garlic bulbs sit close together, and above them, a small white bowl contains mixed black and white peppercorns. Next to the peppercorns, a tiny white bowl holds a dollop of yellow mustard. The image looks clear and bright, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple but impactful. A little extra freshly grated cheese on top is a must—that melty, salty bite is a perfect contrast to the sweet sauce. Sometimes, I add chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and mild freshness. If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Filipino sides like fried lumpia (spring rolls) or crispy chicken skin. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the sweetness. You might also try pairing it with garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this spaghetti in individual glass bowls layered with sauce and cheese, topped with colorful garnishes like sliced olives or bell peppers to brighten things up. Kids love the layered look because it feels fun and fancy. Another idea is baking the sauced spaghetti briefly with extra cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden crust—that twist gets rave reviews every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Before sealing, I let the spaghetti cool to room temperature to avoid condensation. When you’re ready to eat, you might find the sauce thickened quite a bit—which is totally normal due to the banana ketchup and cheese content.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works well if you separate the sauce from the noodles. I freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container and the cooked noodles in a zip-lock bag, so when it’s time to eat, you just thaw and reheat each separately for best texture. The banana ketchup sauce freezes without losing its sweetness and flavor, which is a nice plus.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen it if needed. Then gently toss in the spaghetti to coat evenly. I avoid microwaving straight to preserve the texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. This method keeps it tasting almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

What makes the banana ketchup sauce different in Filipino spaghetti?

Banana ketchup adds a unique fruity sweetness and a hint of tanginess not found in traditional tomato-based sauces. It’s milder and less acidic, contributing to that distinct sweet-savory flavor Filipinos love in their spaghetti.
Can I use regular tomato ketchup instead of banana ketchup?

While you can substitute regular tomato ketchup, it will change the flavor profile as tomato ketchup is more acidic and less sweet. For the authentic taste in this recipe, banana ketchup is recommended.
Is it necessary to add hot dogs in Filipino spaghetti?

Hot dogs are a classic ingredient in Filipino spaghetti for that nostalgic childhood flavor, but you can omit or substitute them with other sausages or even meat alternatives if preferred.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too sweet?

Adjust the amount of banana ketchup based on your sweetness preference, and balance with a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to counteract excess sweetness.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe reheats well and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Filipino Spaghetti with Sweet Banana Ketchup Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart, not only for its unique taste but for the memories it evokes of sharing kitschy, comforting food with loved ones. It’s the sort of dish you’ll want to make when you need a little taste of home or something fun and different on your dinner table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite spaghetti twist. And hey, once you get the hang of it, customizing is half the fun. I’m excited for you to enjoy it as much as I do!