Lenten Meals Made Easy: Filipino Dishes for Holy Week
Holy Week is a sacred time of reflection, simplicity, and devotion. In many Filipino households, it also means observing abstinence from meat, especially on Ash Wednesday and every Friday of Lent. But just because meals go meat-free doesn’t mean they have to be bland.
Thanks to traditional Filipino recipes and convenient products from 555 nz, Century Tuna, RKitchen, and MQ Kitchen, you can serve satisfying, delicious, and soulful dishes with ease during this season.
Whether preparing for the whole family or just a quiet meal at home, here are some Lenten-friendly Filipino dishes you can try—made more manageable with ready-to-use mixes, canned goods, and seasonings.
Hearty Filipino Meals for a Season of Reflection and Renewal
With a little creativity and the help of pantry staples, you can make meaningful and flavorful dishes for Holy Week that your family will love. These 10 dishes bring together tradition, convenience, and flavor—perfect for a holy and hearty week. Most of the primary ingredients for these recipes can be found at Barrio, your go-to Filipino ingredients online market for fresh and quality ingredients.
1. Ginisang Sardinas with Miswa
A comforting go-to ideal dish for pinoy holy week, this pairs canned sardines with sautéed garlic, onions, and soft miswa noodles. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and filling.
Try it with:
- 555 Sardines in Tomato Sauce or 555 Spanish Style Sardines
- Soy Sauce or Garlic and Onion Powder for the sauté base
- Add leafy greens like pechay or malunggay for extra nutrients
2. Tuna Sisig
A healthy twist on the classic sisig, made with Century Tuna instead of pork. Perfect for those craving something savory yet light during Holy Week.
Ingredients:
- Century Tuna
- Onion, Garlic, Chili for a kick
- Soy Sauce and a bit of Calamansi for the tangy flavor
- Optional: Add diced Bell Peppers for extra color
3. Sardines Pasta
Level up your canned sardines by tossing them with garlic, onions, chili flakes, and pasta. Light, savory, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 555 Sardines in Tomato Sauce or 555 Spanish Style Sardines
- Fresh tomatoes or tomato paste for a deeper flavor
- Olive Oil for sautéing
- Optional: Top with grated cheese or fresh herbs
4. Tinapa with Gising-Gising (Spicy Bean and Shrimp Dish)
For those who enjoy a smoky flavor, RKitchen Adobong Tinapa (Smoked Fish in Soy-Vinegar Adobo) brings depth to a spicy, veggie-packed dish.
Ingredients:
- RKitchen Adobong Tinapa or RKitchen Spicy Adobong Tinapa
- Siling Labuyo or chili flakes for heat
- Green Beans or other available vegetables
- Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream for creaminess
5. Tuna Bicol Express
A creamy, spicy dish made with Century Tuna, coconut milk, and green chilies, offering a flavorful Holy Week meal.
Ingredients:
- Century Tuna
- Coconut Milk or Coconut Milk Powder
- Siling Labuyo or chili for spice
- Optional: Add a dash of Fish Sauce for extra umami
6. Spicy Tuyo with Garlic Rice
A simple yet flavorful dish featuring RKitchen Spicy Garlic Tuyo, paired with garlic rice. Perfect for a filling, savory meal.
Ingredients:
- RKitchen Spicy Garlic Tuyo
- Garlic Rice
- Serve with Calamansi and Chili Garlic Oil for an added boost
7. Tuna Salad with Mayonnaise
A quick and refreshing salad made with Century Tuna, perfect as a light dish for Holy Week.
Ingredients:
- Century Tuna
- Mayonnaise
- Cucumber, Tomatoes, and Lettuce for freshness
- Optional: Add Boiled Eggs for extra protein
- 8. Sinigang na Tuna
A refreshing and tangy dish perfect for a light meal. This version of sinigang uses Century Tuna, bringing a fresh twist to this classic soup.
Ingredients:
- Century Tuna
- Tamarind Mix or Fresh Tamarind for the sourness
- Labong (bamboo shoots), Sitaw (long beans), Kangkong (water spinach)
- Optional: Add a bit of Fish Sauce for depth
9. Burong Hipon with Rice
A flavorful fermented shrimp dish, RKitchen Burong Hipon is perfect for those who love strong, umami flavors. Serve with steamed rice for a satisfying, meatless meal.
Ingredients:
- RKitchen Burong Hipon or RKitchen Spicy Burong Hipon
- Garlic and Onions for sautéing
- Serve with Steamed Rice or Sautéed Vegetables for a fuller dish
10. Tuyo (Dried Fish) with Garlic Rice
A classic Filipino breakfast dish made from dried herring (tuyo), paired with garlic rice and eggs. It's simple, flavorful, and satisfying.
Try it with:
- RKitchen Garlic Tuyo or RKitchen Sweet & Spicy Tuyo in Vinegar
- Serve with garlic rice and a side of fried egg
🛒 Must-Have Filipino Ingredients from Barrio for Holy Week
These pantry staples will ensure that your Holy Week meals are both delicious and convenient to prepare!
- RKitchen Spicy Garlic Tinapa – Add depth to your dishes with the smokiness of tinapa, enhanced with garlic and spice.
- RKitchen Lemon Garlic Tinapa – A zesty, savory option to elevate your Holy Week meals.
- RKitchen Garlic Tinapa – For a rich, garlic-infused flavor, perfect for a variety of dishes.
- RKitchen Spicy Burong Hipon – For those who enjoy a fermented, spicy kick in their meals.
- RKitchen Chili Garlic Oil – A must-have condiment to add heat and complexity to any dish.
- RKitchen Sweet & Spicy Dilis – Crispy anchovies coated in a sweet and spicy blend, ideal for toppings or a side dish.
- RKitchen Garlic Aligue – Indulgent crab fat infused with garlic, perfect for special Holy Week dishes.
- 555 Sardines in Tomato Sauce – Versatile for soups, stews, or even pasta, it’s a must-have pantry staple.
- 555 Spanish Style Sardines – A flavorful option to complement your Holy Week meals, perfect for various dishes.
- Century Tuna Flakes Adobo – Great for a quick, flavorful addition to any dish, bringing a savory adobo taste.
- Century Tuna Flakes with Calamansi – A tangy and refreshing option for a light, citrusy twist on your dishes.
- Century Tuna Flakes Hot and Spicy – Add a bold, spicy kick to your meals with this flavorful variant.
- Century Tuna Flakes in Vegetable Oil – A versatile and neutral option for a variety of dishes, easy to incorporate into many recipes.
Preparing meaningful, meatless meals doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and some pantry essentials from Century Tuna nz, 555, RKitchen and MQ Kitchen, you can serve up traditional dishes for holy week that honor the spirit of Lent—and bring your family together around the table.