This Filipino dish is known as ginataang sigarilyas. It is traditionally made with chopped winged beans (sigarilyas), garlic, and onions. Stew it with coconut milk and added with the spiciness of chilies. It is also sauteed with minced pork and shrimp paste.
The literal translation of “gising-gising” means “wake up, wake up” because it’s a spicy savory dish that wakes you up every time you will eat it. There are many versions in terms of the kind of vegetables to use. In my version, I cooked it with Baguio Beans/French Beans.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 medium brown/white onion, chopped into cubes
- 500 g minced pork
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced/ chopped
- 2 tbsps shrimp paste
- 1 kg green beans/Baguio beans/French beans, wash and cut into 1/2 inch
- 2 cups of coconut milk
- 2 pcs chili, chopped, seeded, and deveined. Added more to taste
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Procedure
- In a pan, stir-fry minced pork until golden brown and render the fat. Set aside.
- In the same pan, put cooking oil and Sauté garlic and onion until they are translucent.
- Add cooked minced pork, chili, and shrimp paste. Stir-fry until collaborated.
- Add the green beans. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring gradually. Add fish sauce
- Pour in coconut milk. Let boil and simmer for 10-15 or until green beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Best serve while it’s hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Tip
- Do not overcook vegetables.
- You can mix some other vegetables: winged beans and green beans or some greeny leaves vegetables.
- Add more chili according to your preference. The more it’s spicy, the more waking you up.
- Fresh coconut milk is better than in cans or packed.
Gising-Gising Green Beans with Minced Pork
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 pc medium brown/white onion, chopped into cubes
- 500 g minced pork
- 3 cloves garlic, minced/ chopped
- 2 tbsp shrimp paste
- 1 kg green beans/Baguio beans/French beans, wash and cut into 1/2 inch
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 pcs chili, chopped, seeded, and deveined. Added more to taste
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 dash of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a pan, stir-fry minced pork until golden brown and render the fat. Set aside.
- In the same pan, put cooking oil and Sauté garlic and onion until they are translucent.
- Add cooked minced pork, chili, and shrimp paste. Stir-fry until collaborated.
- Add the green beans. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring gradually. Add fish sauce
- Pour in coconut milk. Let boil and simmer for 10-15 or until green beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Best serve while it’s hot with steamed rice.
Notes
Cooking Tip
- Do not overcook vegetables.
- You can mix some other vegetables: winged beans and green beans or some greeny leaves vegetables.
- Add more chili according to your preference. The more it’s spicy, the more waking you up.
- Fresh coconut milk is better than in cans or packed.
FAQ: Green Beans with Minced Pork
1. What type of green beans should I use?
Fresh sitaw (string beans) or Western-style green beans both work well. Choose firm, bright green beans for best texture.
2. How do I keep the green beans crisp?
Cook them on high heat and avoid overcooking. You can also blanch them for 1–2 minutes before stir-frying.
3. Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?
Yes. Ground chicken, turkey, or beef are good substitutes. Pork gives the richest flavor, but any protein works.
4. What sauce works best for this dish?
A simple mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and a bit of sugar creates a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes. Add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or chili garlic sauce for heat.
6. Why does my minced pork turn watery?
This happens when the pan is not hot enough. Cook the pork on high heat to evaporate moisture and develop flavor.
7. What vegetables can I add?
Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas pair well with green beans and minced pork.
8. What dishes pair well with this recipe?
It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It’s also great for meal prep.