Easy Ginisang Sitaw Recipe
I. Introduction
Sautéed string beans with garlic, onions, and tomatoes—a simple, everyday Filipino vegetable side dish. This Easy Ginisang Sitaw Recipe showcases the Filipino love for simple, well-prepared vegetables that complement rice-based meals perfectly.
II. Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh string beans (sitaw), ends trimmed
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- Fish sauce (patis) or shrimp paste (bagoong) to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 cup water
III. Equipment
- Skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
IV. Instructions
- Cut string beans into 2-inch pieces and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft and starting to break down.
- Add the string beans to the pan, stirring to coat with the aromatics.
- Add water and cover, cooking for 5-7 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
- Season with fish sauce or bagoong to taste.
- Add a splash of water if the pan becomes too dry during cooking.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
V. Tips
Cut beans into 2-inch pieces; add a splash of water if too dry. The beans should remain slightly crisp while being fully cooked. Don’t overcook as they will become mushy. Adjust the amount of bagoong or patis to your salt preference as both are quite salty.
VI. Serving
As a side to fried fish or grilled meat. This classic vegetable dish pairs wonderfully with almost any protein and is a staple in Filipino households. The simple preparation allows the natural flavor of the string beans to shine through.
VII. Storage
Keeps 2-3 days refrigerated. Store in an airtight container and reheat in a pan over low-medium heat. The beans may soften slightly during storage, but they’ll still taste delicious. Add a small amount of water if reheating to prevent sticking.
