Weeknights can be so hectic, right momsh? Between schoolwork, chores, and the never-ending laundry pile, sometimes the hardest question of the day is: “Ano ulam natin?” 😅 And let’s be honest—kids aren’t the easiest critics. One wrong move and dinner can turn into a negotiation session.
But here’s the good news: preparing kid-friendly weeknight dinners doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet or spending hours in the kitchen. With a bit of planning (and diskarte), you can whip up meals that are both masarap and budget-friendly. 💛
Here are some of my go-to favorites:
1. Chicken Adobo (The Classic Crowd-Pleaser)
Simple, hearty, and oh-so-sarap. All you need is chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. Pair with rice, and kids will surely ask for seconds.
2. Spaghetti with Sweet-Style Sauce
Nothing beats Pinoy spaghetti for kids. With ground pork or chicken, tomato sauce, a bit of banana ketchup (syempre!), and cheese on top, it’s a guaranteed winner.
3. Tortang Giniling (Ground Pork Omelette)
Budget-friendly and super filling. Just mix sautéed ground pork, potatoes, and carrots into beaten eggs. Fry it up and serve with rice—kids love it kasi parang giant omelette.
4. Tinolang Manok
Perfect for rainy nights. Ginger, chicken, green papaya, and malunggay make this warm and healthy. Bonus: the broth is perfect with hot rice!
5. Fried Tilapia + Kamatis & Itlog Side Dish
Simple, budget-friendly, and nutritious. Pair crispy fried tilapia with a tomato-egg side dish, and you’ve got a balanced plate.
6. Hotdog and Egg Rice Bowl
On nights when you’re too tired to cook anything fancy, hotdogs + sunny side up + rice = instant happiness for the kids (and less stress for mom).
7. Pancit Canton Guisado
Quick to cook and easy on the budget. Just add leftover veggies and a bit of meat, and you’ve got a complete meal in one pan.
Mom Hack:
When I’m really short on time, I rotate these dishes weekly para hindi na ako nagiisip ng bagong menu lagi. The kids are happy, the wallet’s safe, and I get to save my energy for the million other things moms do every day. 😉
At the end of the day, it’s not about how fancy dinner is. It’s about sitting together, sharing stories, and making memories over simple, hearty meals. 🥰
