Ginisang Sitaw (Filipino Sautéed String Beans with Pork)
Ginisang Sitaw (Filipino Sautéed String Beans with Pork)
Contents
Ginisang sitaw is a classic Filipino vegetable dish featuring yardlong beans sautéed with ground pork, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, seasoned with fish sauce or soy sauce. The dish is quick, budget-friendly, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) yardlong beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ lb (225g) ground pork
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 3 tbsp cooking oil (neutral oil like canola)
- 3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce as substitute)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ cup water (adjust as needed)
(Optional variations: ½ red bell pepper, diced, or 1 tbsp oyster sauce for added depth)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds), then add onion and cook until translucent (1-2 minutes).
- Brown the pork: Add ground pork, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add tomatoes: Stir in tomatoes and cook until softened (2 minutes), releasing juices.
- Cook the beans: Add string beans and toss to coat in the mixture. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Simmer: Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until beans are tender but still crisp (5-7 minutes). Add more water sparingly if needed.
- Season: Stir in fish sauce and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with rice.
Comparison of Recipe Variations
| Feature | Traditional (Source 1) | Florida Nutrition (Source 2) | Bell Pepper Version (Source 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Ground pork | Ground pork or chicken | Pork belly or shoulder |
| Seasoning | Fish sauce | Soy sauce | Soy + oyster sauce + Coca-Cola |
| Vegetables | Beans only | Beans + bell pepper | Beans + bell pepper + carrot |
| Cooking Time | 30 mins | 30 mins | 40 mins |
Tips and Notes
- Beans: Fresh yardlong beans (sitaw) are ideal, but regular green beans or frozen beans work (reduce water if using frozen).
- Pork: For crispier texture, use pork belly strips instead of ground pork.
- Sauce control: Avoid excess water; the dish should be moist but not soupy.
FAQs
Can I make ginisang sitaw vegetarian?
Yes! Omit pork and use mushrooms or tofu. Substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or salt.
Why are my beans mushy?
Overcooking or too much water softens them. Simmer covered only until tender-crisp.
How long do leftovers last?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan to restore texture (microwaving makes beans soggy).
What’s the best rice pairing?
Plain steamed rice or garlic fried rice. A fried egg or grilled fish complements the dish well.
Related guides
- Atchara (Filipino Pickled Green Papaya)
- Filipino Chopsuey Recipe
- Dinengdeng: A Filipino Vegetable Dish
- Ensaladang Talong (Filipino Eggplant Salad)
- Ginataang Gulay: A Complete Guide to Filipino Vegetables in Coconut Milk