Adobong Sitaw (String Beans Adobo)

String Beans Adobo (Adobong Sitaw), is one of the many vegetables my mom would cook for us when we were growing up. She would put it in soups, pinakbet (shrimp and vegetable stew) or cook it adobo style. String beans are not always available here in Vancouver. So, every time I see some at our local Asian store, I will always make string beans adobo.

Adobong sitaw is a dish where the beans, along with pork pieces are simmered in a sauce consisting of soy sauce and vinegar. I like tangy dishes so I put extra vinegar in my string beans adobo. This dish with steamed rice is and will always be one of my comfort foods. Delicious!

Cooking Tips for Adobong Sitaw

To make your Adobong Sitaw stand out, focus on the quality of your ingredients. Fresh string beans are key, so look for ones that are vibrant green and snap easily when bent. If you’re using pork, choose cuts that have a bit of fat, like belly or shoulder, as they add richness to the dish. When cooking, don’t rush the simmering process. Let the beans and pork simmer together for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you like a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of oyster sauce or a few slices of onion to the mix. For an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté garlic before adding the other ingredients. Lastly, adjust the vinegar to your taste. If you enjoy a stronger tang, feel free to add more vinegar gradually until it reaches your desired level.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Adobong Sitaw pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, as the sauce is perfect for soaking into the grains. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled meats or fried fish. If you want to add more color and nutrition, consider incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the dish. You can also substitute the pork with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Another fun variation is to add a couple of hard-boiled eggs during the last few minutes of cooking, which makes for a heartier meal. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, throw in some sliced chili peppers while it simmers. This dish also makes for great leftovers. Just store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other vegetables in this adobo?

Absolutely, you can mix in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so add them accordingly.

What can I use instead of pork?

If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken thighs or tofu work great. They will change the flavor a bit but can still be super delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, making Adobong Sitaw ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors can deepen and improve after a day in the fridge, making it even tastier.

What do I serve with Adobong Sitaw?

This dish is best served with steamed rice, but you can also pair it with quinoa or even a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Just keep it simple to let the adobo shine.

Adobong Sitaw (String Beans Adobo)

Liza Agbanlog

Adobong Sitaw is a popular Filipino dish that consists of pieces of pork and string beans cooked in a delicious adobo sauce.

3.34 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Filipino

Servings 4 servings

Calories 242 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• 1 lb pork belly or shoulder , cut into strips
• 1/2 cup water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar or more to taste
• 1 ½ lbs string beans (sitaw) , cut into 2 inch pieces, discarding the ends
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions and sauté for 2 minutes or until onions are soft. Add pork and sauté until no longer pink, around 2 minutes. Add water and ½ tsp salt, bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer for 12 minutes, or until pork pieces are tender.
• Add soy sauce, vinegar and string beans. Cover and simmer for another 12 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
• Adjust seasoning by adding more vinegar, salt and pepper.
• Serve with steamed rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 19gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 1111mgPotassium: 673mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1174IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 3mg

Keyword adobo, pork, string beans

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