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Vegan Giniling Filipino Picadillo

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This one-skillet vegan giniling is a hearty plant-based twist on Filipino Picadillo. Vegan ground sausage is sautéed with garlic, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, then simmered with potatoes, carrots, and peas in a tangy, savory broth. Green olives add briny contrast, making this dish bold and flavorful. Perfect over rice, it's a comforting and customizable meal ideal for any season. The recipe comes together quickly with minimal cleanup and keeps well for leftovers, making it great for meal prep and busy weeknights alike.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:47:47 GMT
A bowl of food with peas and meat. Bookmark
A bowl of food with peas and meat. | ioanacooks.com

This vegan Giniling is a one-pan wonder that brings comfort to any table. Inspired by the classic Filipino Picadillo, it layers bold tomato flavors with hearty vegetables and plant-based protein. Perfect for weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time, it delivers warmth in every bite.

I love making this dish when I want something nostalgic but plant-based. It reminds me of the comfort meals my aunt used to make on rainy days in Manila.

Ingredients

  • Avocado oil: Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables evenly
  • Vegan ground sausage: Gives the dish its hearty base and meaty texture
  • Red pepper flakes: Optional for a gentle heat
  • Fresh tomatoes: The base of the sauce and key to depth of flavor
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and body to the sofrito
  • Red bell pepper: Offers mild sweetness and vibrant color
  • Green chilies: Lends gentle heat and earthy flavor
  • Garlic: Builds aromatic foundation and umami
  • Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes
  • Kosher salt: Essential for proper seasoning
  • Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds warmth and spice
  • Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce’s richness
  • Vegan beef broth: Creates a flavorful simmering liquid
  • Low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and salt without overpowering
  • White vinegar: Brightens and balances the dish
  • Russet potatoes: Absorb flavor and make the dish more filling
  • Carrots: Provide sweetness and heartiness
  • Green peas: Add pops of sweetness and texture
  • Green olives: Briny contrast that balances the richness
  • Cooked rice: Traditional pairing to soak up the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Base:
Warm the avocado oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add vegan ground sausage and red pepper flakes. Stir and break up the sausage as it browns. Add tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, green chilies, and garlic. Sprinkle in sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until onion becomes translucent and garlic is fragrant.
Build the Sauce:
Stir in the tomato paste until well incorporated. Pour in vegan broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Add the potatoes and carrots. Toss everything together. Increase the heat to bring to a light boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
Add Final Touches:
Stir in green peas and olives. Simmer uncovered for another 8 to 10 minutes. The sauce should reduce slightly and coat all the vegetables.
Taste and Serve:
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity as needed. Serve hot over rice and enjoy the comforting flavors.
A bowl of meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in single portions. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lentils or crumbled tofu in place of vegan sausage if preferred. Sweet potatoes can replace russet potatoes for a different texture. Coconut aminos work instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option.

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally served with white rice, but try pairing it with cauliflower rice, steamed quinoa, or even stuffed inside tortillas. It also makes a great topping for baked sweet potatoes.

A bowl of meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Giniling is a Filipino term meaning ground meat. This dish is a veganized take on a classic comfort food commonly served in Filipino households. It blends Spanish and Filipino influences and represents home cooking at its best.

The green olives are my favorite part. They add a briny kick that reminds me of the lunches my grandmother packed when I was little. This dish always brings me back to those warm kitchen moments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the vegan ground sausage?

Yes, you can use lentils, crumbled tofu, or tempeh for a different plant-based texture while maintaining flavor depth.

→ What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while absorbing the sauce, but Yukon Golds are also a good option.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It can be mildly spicy if red pepper flakes are used. Adjust or omit them based on your spice tolerance.

→ How long does it keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to four days. The flavors often improve after a day or two.

→ Can I freeze vegan giniling?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of water to restore texture.

→ What can I serve this with besides rice?

It pairs well with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread for different textures and dietary preferences.

Vegan Giniling Filipino Picadillo

Hearty vegan giniling with potatoes and veggies in a savory tomato sauce. Cozy Filipino comfort food ready in one pan.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Filipino

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves (One large skillet dish)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan Safe, Made for Vegetarians, Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Ingredient 02 1 pound vegan ground sausage or ground beef
Ingredient 03 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient 04 1 pound tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped
Ingredient 05 1 yellow onion, diced
Ingredient 06 1 red bell pepper, diced
Ingredient 07 2 long green chilies or Anaheim peppers, deseeded and diced
Ingredient 08 8 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 09 2 teaspoons sugar
Ingredient 10 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Ingredient 11 0.5 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
Ingredient 12 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Ingredient 13 2 cups vegan beef broth
Ingredient 14 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
Ingredient 15 0.25 cup white vinegar
Ingredient 16 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 0.75-inch pieces
Ingredient 17 2 cups diced carrots
Ingredient 18 1 cup green peas
Ingredient 19 0.5 cup green olives, halved
Ingredient 20 Cooked rice, for serving

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add vegan ground sausage and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and heated through, 4 to 6 minutes. Add tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, chilies, and garlic. Season with sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 02

Stir in tomato paste, vegan broth, soy sauce, and vinegar. Add potatoes and carrots. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are barely tender.

Step 03

Add green peas and olives to the pan. Stir well to combine. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until sauce thickens and potatoes are fully tender.

Step 04

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

Extra Tips

  1. Choose a vegan ground sausage that maintains texture during simmering for best results.
  2. Adjust spice levels by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes to suit personal preference.
  3. Prepare and measure all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process.
  4. Taste the dish before serving to fine-tune the balance of sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar.
  5. This dish pairs well with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread as alternatives to white rice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large sauté pan with lid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy from low-sodium soy sauce and vegan sausage

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 340
  • Total Fat: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 29 grams
  • Protein Amount: 16 grams