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Pinakbet

An indigenous northern dish of mixed vegetables steamed in fish or shrimp sauce.

40 minutes
Serves 2
Lunch/Dinner

Instructions

  1. 1

    Render the Pork: In a wide pan, cook the pork belly strips over medium heat until they release their fat and turn golden and crispy. Push the pork to one side.

  2. 2

    Sauté Aromatics: In the rendered pork fat, sauté the onions and diced tomatoes for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and become mushy. Stir the pork back in.

  3. 3

    Add Shrimp Paste: Add the shrimp paste and cook for 2 minutes to release its umami flavor. Pour in 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Layer the Vegetables: Add the hardest vegetables first: the squash (kalabasa) and string beans. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Next, add the eggplant and bitter melon (do not stir the bitter melon to prevent it from becoming excessively bitter).

  5. 5

    Steam to Finish: Cover the pan again and let the vegetables steam in the flavorful liquid for another 5-7 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but retain their shape and a slight bite. Serve hot.

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