Cooking after work doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. These budget family meals dads can cook are simple, affordable, and perfect for busy weeknights—costing only ₱150–₱250 per ulam.
Being a dad means juggling work, kids, traffic, and hunger—all at the same time. And let’s be honest: after a long day, no one wants to stare into the fridge wondering “Anong lulutuin ko?”
Good news: you don’t need chef skills, fancy ingredients, or a huge budget to put decent food on the table. These budget-friendly family meals are dad-approved, easy to cook after work, and won’t wreck your grocery budget.
All recipes here cost around ₱150–₱250 per ulam, depending on market prices and where you shop.
Why Budget Cooking Matters for Dads
- Groceries are expensive (no explanation needed 😅)
- Kids eat a LOT
- Takeout adds up fast
- Cooking at home = healthier + more bonding
Plus, knowing how to cook a few reliable meals instantly upgrades your Dad Level.
1. Chicken Adobo (Classic, No-Fail Ulam)
Estimated cost: ₱180–₱220
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken (cut up)
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Bay leaf
- Peppercorns
Why dads love it
- One-pot cooking
- Tastes better the next day
- Kids-friendly, no surprises
👉 Tip: Cook extra. Adobo today, adobo flakes tomorrow.
2. Giniling with Patatas (Quick & Filling)
Estimated cost: ₱200–₱250
Ingredients
- ½ kg ground pork or beef
- Potatoes
- Onion, garlic
- Tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes
Why it works
- Fast to cook (20–25 minutes)
- Stretches well with rice
- You can sneak in veggies without complaints
👉 Dad hack: Add a little soy sauce instead of salt for deeper flavor.
3. Pork Chops (Simple Fry or Pan-Grill)
Estimated cost: ₱200–₱230
Ingredients
- Pork chops
- Salt, pepper
- Garlic (optional)
- Oil
Why it’s a winner
- Straightforward
- No measuring needed
- Feels like “real food” after a long day
Serve with rice + sliced tomatoes or a quick toyomansi dip.
4. Sardines with Misua or Eggs
Estimated cost: ₱150–₱180
Ingredients
- Canned sardines
- Misua noodles OR eggs
- Garlic, onion
- Optional: patola or spinach
Why dads keep this on standby
- Cheapest ulam on the list
- Pantry-friendly
- Surprisingly filling
Perfect for petsa de peligro nights.
5. Chicken Tinola (Light but Satisfying)
Estimated cost: ₱200–₱250
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces
- Ginger
- Green papaya or sayote
- Malunggay or chili leaves
Why it belongs here
- Healthy without being boring
- Easy on the stomach
- Feels like home
👉 Bonus: Kids who don’t eat veggies still drink the soup.
Sample After-Work Dad Cooking Schedule
6:30 PM – Get home
6:40 PM – Prep ingredients
7:00 PM – Cook
7:30 PM – Dinner time (mission accomplished 🎯)
How to Keep Your Weekly Food Budget Under Control
- Plan 3–4 repeat meals (less thinking)
- Buy meat in bulk, portion at home
- Mix “cheap ulam days” with heavier meals
- Don’t underestimate eggs and sardines
Cooking doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to work.
My Take (Real Dad Talk)
You don’t need to be the “chef dad” on Instagram. You just need meals that are affordable, filling, and family-approved. These dishes have saved me from ordering takeout more times than I can count—and they’ll probably save you too.
Cooking after work isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up.
Leave a Reply