Authentic Filipino Recipe: Ginisang Gulay (Sautéed Vegetables)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 medium chayote (sayote), cut into thin slices
  • 2 cups green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups cabbage, chopped into 2-inch squares
  • 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups water

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and release their juices.
  4. Add the sliced carrot, sliced bell pepper, sliced chayote, cut green beans, and chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir to combine the ingredients.
  5. Pour the water into the pan. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook until the shrimp turns pink.
  7. Season the mixture with fish sauce and ground black pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients.
  8. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.
  9. Serve the Ginisang Gulay hot, ideally with a side of steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan large enough to accommodate all the vegetables and shrimp.
  • Vegetable peeler - To peel the carrot and chayote.
  • Chef's knife - For mincing garlic, dicing onion, and chopping vegetables.
  • Cutting board - To provide a safe surface for chopping and slicing.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the vegetable oil, fish sauce, and ground black pepper.
  • Wooden spoon - To stir and combine the ingredients while cooking.
  • Cover or lid - To cover the pan while simmering the vegetables.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Omit the shrimp and substitute it with tofu or tempeh for added protein.
  • Meat variation: Add cooked chicken, pork, or beef to make it a heartier dish.
  • Spicy version: Add sliced chili peppers or chili flakes for a kick of heat.
  • Herb-infused: Add herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor.
  • Seafood twist: Besides shrimp, you can also add other seafood like squid, mussels, or fish fillets.
  • Leafy greens: Include spinach, kale, or bok choy for added nutrition and texture.
  • Coconut milk: For a creamy twist, substitute some of the water with coconut milk.
  • Asian seasoning: Add soy sauce or hoisin sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Citrus zest: Grate some lemon or calamansi zest over the dish for a burst of citrusy freshness.
  • Nutty flavor: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for an added crunch and nutty taste.

Recipe overview

Ginisang Gulay is a delicious and nutritious Filipino dish that's packed with a variety of vibrant vegetables. It's a simple stir-fry that includes ingredients such as carrots, bell peppers, chayote, green beans, and cabbage, all sautéed in a savory mixture of garlic, onion, and tomatoes. This dish also has a protein boost from the addition of shrimp. The unique blend of vegetables provides a medley of textures and flavors that blend perfectly with the savory fish sauce and ground black pepper seasoning. This hearty, healthy meal is traditionally served with a side of steamed rice. With this recipe, you'll be able to transform simple, everyday ingredients into a satisfying and delightful dish that's perfect for any day of the week.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other vegetables instead of the ones listed? Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding or substituting vegetables based on your preference. However, the listed vegetables provide a traditional combination and flavors for Ginisang Gulay.
  2. Do I have to use shrimp? No, shrimp is optional. You can omit it or substitute it with other protein sources like tofu, chicken, or pork.
  3. Can I use other cooking oils? Yes, you can use other cooking oils like canola oil or olive oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.
  4. Can I adjust the amount of fish sauce and black pepper? Absolutely! The amount of fish sauce and black pepper can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. Start with the suggested measurements and add more if desired.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make the recipe vegetarian or vegan by omitting the shrimp and using vegetable-based alternatives for fish sauce (such as soy sauce or tamari) that suit your dietary needs.
  6. How long does it take to cook the vegetables? The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the vegetables. Generally, it takes about 10 minutes of simmering for the vegetables to become tender.
  7. Can I store leftovers? Yes, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook and simmer the ginisang gulay along with the vegetables and shrimp.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary to chop and prepare the vegetables and tomatoes for the recipe.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for cutting and slicing the vegetables, tomatoes, and shrimp.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are helpful for accurately measuring the vegetable oil, fish sauce, and ground black pepper.
  • Spatula - A spatula is useful for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Cover or lid - A cover or lid is needed to cover the pan while simmering the vegetables and shrimp.
  • Serving dish - A serving dish is required to serve the ginisang gulay.
  • Rice cooker or pot - A rice cooker or pot is needed to cook steamed rice as a side dish for the ginisang gulay.

Origin stories

Like most of the dishes in the Philippines, Ginisang Gulay represents the country's agricultural abundance, in which a variety of vegetables can be harvested all year round. This humble dish exudes the Filipino culinary principle of making the most out of the available ingredients while not compromising the taste. The addition of shrimp, a staple in many coastal areas across the islands, elevates this simple vegetable sauté to a heartier meal. It's a testament to the Filipino's resourcefulness and harmonious blending of flavors, reflective of their diverse local and foreign influences over the centuries. Indeed, each spoonful of Ginisang Gulay is like taking a flavorful journey across the lush landscapes and vibrant seas of the Philippines.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.