Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw Recipe (Filipino Squash in Coconut Milk)
Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw is a classic Filipino vegetable dish made with squash (kalabasa), string beans (sitaw), and rich coconut milk. Often cooked with shrimp or pork, this dish is creamy, savory, and slightly sweet—perfect for everyday meals.
Menu: Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw
Ingredients
- 2 cups squash (kalabasa), cubed
- 1 cup string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 200 grams shrimp (or pork belly), cleaned
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1–2 chili peppers (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and cube squash, cut string beans, and clean shrimp. Preparing ingredients ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes until soft and fragrant. This forms the flavor base.
Step 3: Cook the Protein
Add shrimp or pork and cook until shrimp turns pink or pork is lightly browned. This adds depth to the dish.
Step 4: Add Coconut Milk
Pour in coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. This creates the creamy base.
Step 5: Add Squash
Add squash and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender. Squash takes longer to cook than other vegetables.
Step 6: Add String Beans
Add sitaw and cook for another 3–5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Step 7: Season and Add Coconut Cream
Add fish sauce, black pepper, and chili if using. Pour in coconut cream and simmer until sauce thickens.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the creamy and savory flavor.
Tips for Perfect Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw
- Use ripe squash for natural sweetness.
- Add coconut cream at the end for richer texture.
- Do not overcook vegetables to maintain texture.
- Use fresh shrimp for better flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking squash – becomes too soft and mushy.
- Too much liquid – makes the dish watery.
- Adding sitaw too early – becomes overcooked.
- Boiling coconut milk too hard – may curdle.
Extra Info / Insights
This dish is part of the “ginataan” family, which uses coconut milk as the main ingredient. It is widely loved across the Philippines and can be customized by adding crab, fish, or even tofu. The natural sweetness of squash balances the savory flavor of fish sauce and coconut milk.
FAQ
- Can I use pork instead of shrimp? – Yes, pork belly is a popular alternative.
- Can I make it vegetarian? – Yes, skip meat and use tofu or mushrooms.
- Why is my sauce watery? – Simmer longer or reduce liquid.
- Can I add other vegetables? – Yes, eggplant or chili leaves work well.
- Can I store leftovers? – Yes, refrigerate and reheat before serving.
Internal Links
Related recipes: Laing, Ginisang Monggo
Conclusion
This Ginataang Kalabasa at Sitaw Recipe is a creamy and delicious Filipino vegetable dish perfect for everyday meals. Its rich coconut flavor and healthy ingredients make it a household favorite.