Adobong Sitaw with Pork Recipe

Filipino String Beans with Pork

Adobong Sitaw Recipe with Pork is a simple Filipino vegetable dish that combines tender-crisp string beans with savory pork, garlic, onion, soy sauce, and vinegar. It is an easy everyday meal that brings together the familiar sweet, salty, and slightly tangy flavors of Filipino adobo.

This Adobong Sitaw Recipe with Pork is especially practical when you want a satisfying home-cooked meal without using complicated ingredients. The pork is cooked until tender and flavorful, while the sitaw is added near the end so the beans retain some of their natural texture.

Sitaw, also known as string beans or yardlong beans, is a popular vegetable in Filipino cooking. It works particularly well with adobo because it absorbs the savory sauce while still adding freshness and texture to the dish.

Serve it with freshly cooked white rice for a comforting Filipino lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: The ingredients are simple and the cooking process is straightforward.
• Budget-friendly: Pork and sitaw are commonly available ingredients that can make a satisfying family meal.
• Full of Filipino flavor: Soy sauce and vinegar give the dish the classic savory and tangy character associated with adobo.
• Great with rice: The flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
• Easy to adjust: You can add more water for extra sauce or a little chili for heat.
• Good for everyday meals: It is simple enough for a regular family dinner but flavorful enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients

• 400 g sitaw (string beans), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 250 g pork belly, sliced into small pieces
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup water, plus more as needed
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Adobong Sitaw Recipe with Pork

1. Prepare the ingredients

Wash the sitaw thoroughly and cut it into approximately 2-inch pieces. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.

Prepare the pork belly by washing and cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the garlic and onion.

2. Cook the pork

Place the pork belly in a pan or wok over medium heat. Cook while stirring occasionally until the pork becomes lightly browned and some of its fat has rendered.

If there is not enough rendered fat in the pan, add a small amount of cooking oil.

3. Sauté the aromatics

Move the pork to one side of the pan to create some space. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant and softened.

Mix the aromatics together with the pork and continue cooking briefly.

4. Add the seasonings

Pour in the soy sauce and add the brown sugar. Stir well so the pork is coated with the seasoning.

Add 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan, and allow the pork to simmer until tender. The cooking time can vary depending on the cut and quality of the pork. Add a little more water when necessary.

5. Add the vinegar and sitaw

Once the pork is tender, pour in the vinegar. Let it come to a boil without stirring for a short time. This helps cook off the sharpness of the vinegar.

Add the prepared sitaw and mix everything together. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the string beans are cooked but still slightly crisp.

6. Season and serve

Season with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Avoid cooking the sitaw for too long because overcooked string beans can become soft and lose their pleasant texture.

Transfer the finished Adobong Sitaw with Pork to a serving dish and serve hot. Fried garlic bits can be added on top for extra flavor if desired.

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Serving Suggestions and Count

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings and is best served with freshly steamed white rice.

For a complete Filipino-style meal, serve the adobong sitaw with other simple dishes such as fried fish, grilled chicken, or a light vegetable side dish. The savory sauce also makes it especially good when spooned over warm rice.

What to Do With Leftover Adobong Sitaw

Allow leftover adobong sitaw to cool before transferring it to a clean, airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days.

The flavors can become even more developed after resting, making the leftovers a convenient meal for the following day.

How to Reheat Adobong Sitaw

For the best texture, reheat the leftovers gently in a pan over low to medium heat. Add a small splash of water if the sauce has become too thick, then stir occasionally until heated through.

You can also reheat a serving in the microwave using a microwave-safe container. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between intervals until hot.

Try not to overheat the sitaw because repeated or prolonged cooking can make the string beans too soft.

Recipe Tips

For better results, cut the sitaw into similar-sized pieces and add it only after the pork has become tender. This keeps the beans from cooking for too long.

If you prefer a stronger adobo flavor, adjust the soy sauce and vinegar gradually according to your taste. For a spicy version, add sliced fresh chili or a small amount of chili flakes while cooking.

The amount of water can also be adjusted depending on whether you prefer a drier adobo or one with more sauce.

Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Adobong Sitaw, its ingredients, preparation, and serving suggestions.

What is Adobong Sitaw?

Adobong Sitaw is a Filipino dish made by cooking string beans with typical adobo seasonings such as soy sauce and vinegar. It can be prepared with pork or made without meat.

Can I make Adobong Sitaw without pork?

Yes. Simply leave out the pork and sauté the garlic and onion before adding the seasonings and sitaw. You can also add tofu or another plant-based protein if desired.

Can I use another cut of pork?

Yes. Pork shoulder or other suitable pork cuts can be used. Pork belly provides additional richness because of its fat content.

How do I keep the sitaw from becoming mushy?

Add the sitaw toward the end of cooking and cook it only until tender-crisp. Avoid simmering the beans for a long period to help maintain their texture.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes. Add sliced fresh chili, chili flakes, or chili powder according to your preferred level of heat.

What is the best way to serve Adobong Sitaw with Pork?

It is best served hot with freshly cooked white rice. The savory adobo sauce pairs especially well with steamed rice.

Final Thoughts

This Adobong Sitaw Recipe with Pork is proof that a simple combination of everyday Filipino ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal. The tender pork, crisp-tender sitaw, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar come together in a flavorful dish that is easy to prepare at home.

If you’re looking for an affordable Filipino recipe for sitaw, give this version a try. Cook it for your family, serve it with rice, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal.