Adobong Sitaw (Long Bean Adobo) Recipe

Tangy Adobong Sitaw Recipe: A Filipino Long Bean Delight

Crisp and vibrant adobong sitaw dances with traditional Filipino flavors that spark memories of homey kitchen gatherings.

Tender long beans absorb a perfect blend of vinegar and soy sauce in this classic dish.

Our recipe brings coastal simplicity right to your plate with minimal ingredients.

Salty, tangy notes promise a quick meal that feels like a warm embrace from manila’s street-side kitchens.

Rural cooking techniques shine through each carefully seasoned bite of these green warriors.

Generations have cherished this humble recipe that connects generations through its robust, uncomplicated charm.

You won’t want to miss creating this delightful Filipino staple that celebrates fresh produce and bold seasoning.

Adobong Sitaw (Long Bean Adobo) Classic Recipe

  • Savor Quick Flavor Burst: This Filipino dish delivers a punch of tangy and savory taste in minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving authentic flavors.
  • Tackle One-Pan Simplicity: Prepare the entire meal in a single pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making cooking stress-free for anyone from beginners to seasoned chefs.
  • Master Versatile Comfort Food: Adaptable recipe works great as a side dish or main course, satisfying different meal preferences while showcasing traditional Filipino culinary techniques.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Combines protein-rich pork with nutrient-packed long beans, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without compromising on delicious taste.

Ingredients for Authentic Long Bean Adobo

For the Protein:
  • Pork Belly: A rich and flavorful cut that adds depth and richness to the adobo dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • String Beans, Onions, Garlic: String beans provide a fresh and crisp texture, while onions and garlic create a robust aromatic base for the recipe.
For the Seasoning and Liquid:
  • Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Ground Black Pepper: Soy sauce and vinegar create the classic tangy adobo flavor, water helps with cooking, sugar balances the acidity, and black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.

How to Cook Traditional Adobong Sitaw

Step 1: Crisp Up Pork Belly

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Gently place pork belly slices into the pan.

Cook until edges turn golden brown and delicious fat starts melting, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

Drop chopped onions and minced garlic into the pan with rendered pork fat.

Stir and dance them around until onions become translucent and release their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Introduce Long Beans

Toss in the vibrant green long beans.

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Soy sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Ground black pepper
  • Water

Step 4: Create Flavor Symphony

Increase heat to bring everything to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce temperature and cover the pan.

Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing beans to soften while absorbing the rich, tangy sauce.

Step 5: Perfect the Sauce Consistency

For those who enjoy a more concentrated sauce, continue cooking uncovered.

Let liquid reduce until it clings beautifully to the beans and pork.

Step 6: Present Your Culinary Masterpiece

Transfer the steaming adobong sitaw onto a serving plate.

Pair with fluffy white rice and savor the incredible blend of Filipino flavors.

Tips for Flavorful Adobong Sitaw Every Time

  • Cut long beans into equal lengths for even cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Use leaner pork cuts or replace pork with chicken for a healthier version.
  • Watch beans carefully during simmering to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant green color.
  • Adjust soy sauce and vinegar ratios to suit personal taste preferences without overwhelming the dish.
  • Substitute pork with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious plant-based alternative that keeps the classic adobo flavor profile.

Variations to Try on Long Bean Adobo

  • Vegetarian Victory: Replace pork with tofu or tempeh, creating a plant-based protein powerhouse that maintains the classic adobo flavor profile.
  • Seafood Sensation: Swap pork with shrimp or fish, adding a maritime twist to the traditional recipe while keeping the tangy adobo sauce intact.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Incorporate chili peppers or red pepper flakes to elevate the heat level, transforming the dish into a fiery Filipino favorite.
  • Green Bean Alternate: Use green beans instead of long beans for a slightly different texture and equally delicious outcome that works perfectly with the adobo technique.

Pairing Ideas for Adobong Sitaw Dishes

Perfect Food and Drink Pairings for Adobong Sitaw:
  • Pair with Steamed White Rice: Classic Filipino companion that soaks up the rich, tangy adobo sauce perfectly and balances the savory meat and beans.
  • Match with Crisp San Miguel Beer: Local Philippine beer cuts through the richness of pork belly, refreshing the palate with its light, clean flavor profile.
  • Complement with Pickled Vegetable Side: Atchara (green papaya pickle) provides a zesty, acidic contrast that enhances the dish's deep umami notes and adds textural variety.
  • Serve alongside Coconut Water: Natural, slightly sweet beverage helps cool down the dish's bold flavors and provides a hydrating counterpoint to the salty-sour adobo.

Proper Storage for Adobong Sitaw Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.

Warm the adobong sitaw in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Gently reheat in a pan over low-medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems dry. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • What is adobong sitaw?

Adobong sitaw is a traditional Filipino vegetable and meat dish featuring long beans (sitaw) cooked in a savory mix of soy sauce and vinegar with pork belly.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute pork belly with chicken or beef. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor to the dish while maintaining the classic adobo cooking style.

  • Is this dish spicy?

Traditional adobong sitaw is not spicy. It has a tangy and savory flavor profile from the combination of soy sauce and vinegar. If you want heat, you can add chili peppers or ground black pepper.

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Adobong Sitaw (Long Bean Adobo) Recipe

Adobong Sitaw (Long Bean Adobo) Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Green beans dance in a savory Filipino Adobong Sitaw, blending soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic into a classic comfort dish. Crisp, tangy flavors transport you to Manila’s bustling kitchens, offering a simple yet irresistible culinary journey.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) pork belly, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 350 grams (12.3 ounces) string beans (sitaw), cut into 4-inch lengths
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium flame and render pork belly’s fat until golden brown and crispy edges form.
  2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour water, soy sauce, vinegar, and sprinkle ground black pepper into the pan, stirring to combine all liquid components.
  4. Introduce long beans into the simmering mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated with the tangy sauce.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and allow ingredients to gently simmer for 7-8 minutes until beans reach a tender-crisp texture.
  6. If a thicker consistency is desired, continue cooking uncovered to reduce sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from heat when beans are perfectly cooked and sauce has slightly thickened, creating a glossy coating.
  8. Transfer the adobong sitaw to a serving plate, allowing the robust flavors to meld together for a few moments before serving alongside steamed rice.

Notes

  • Choose fatty pork belly for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring rich and juicy meat in every bite.
  • Replace pork with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains the classic adobo taste profile.
  • Keep heat at medium-low to prevent burning and allow gradual flavor development during simmering process.
  • Cook beans just until they’re bright green and slightly crisp to retain nutritional value and appealing crunchiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 167 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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