Filipino Sari Sari Mixed Vegetable Stew with Pork and Shrimp
A hearty Filipino comfort stew that combines crispy roast pork, fresh shrimp, and an abundance of vegetables including bitter melon, eggplant, and beans in a savory broth. This traditional dish showcases the Filipino philosophy of using whatever ingredients are available, creating a nourishing one-pot meal perfect for family dinners. The combination of fish sauce, tomato paste, and vinegar provides the characteristic tangy-umami flavor profile that makes this dish distinctly Filipino.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- ½ pound crispy roast porkleftover roasted chicken1:1dietary
adds richness
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ⅛ pound shrimp
- ½ piece onion
- ½ piece bitter melonzucchini1:1availability
milder flavor
- 1 piece tomato
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 piece eggplant
- ¼ pound beans
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 pieces garlic clove
Instructions
- 1
Heat large pan over medium heat and add vegetable oil
- 2
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant
- 3
Add pork and stir-fry until lightly browned
- 4
Add bitter melon, eggplant, beans, and tomatoes and stir-fry
- 5
Pour in chicken broth, tomato paste, vinegar, and fish sauce
- 6
Simmer over low heat until vegetables are cooked through
- 7
Add shrimp and simmer until cooked through
- 8
Serve with steamed white rice
Tips
Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking during the simmering process.
Add salt gradually and taste as you go since fish sauce already provides saltiness to the dish.
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 3 days in covered container
can prepare vegetables 1 day ahead and refrigerate
hot with steamed jasmine rice
Common Mistakes
add shrimp early to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture
cut vegetables too large to avoid uneven cooking
Substitutions
adds richness
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, but add frozen vegetables during the last 10 minutes of simmering to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their texture.
What if I can't find bitter melon?
Substitute with zucchini, chayote, or green beans. The dish will be milder but still delicious and authentic in spirit.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.