By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world
4 matchesDishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Pinakbet. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.
Yatimak BademjanIn Iran · same ingredients· Same technique53%
Sheikh El Mahshi (Vegetarian)In Lebanon · same ingredients50%
Mirza GhasemiIn Iran · same ingredients50%
A savory Ilocano vegetable stew featuring pork belly braised in fermented shrimp paste. It is a harmonious balance of salty and earthy flavors.
According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Pinakbet from another cuisine is Yatimak Bademjan (Iran): the two share 53% of their ingredients.
Ingredients
tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping listHow to Make It
- 1
In a large wok over medium heat, add 1 tbsp oil and sear 1kg sliced pork belly until golden brown.
- 2
Add chopped 1 onion and 5 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- 3
Stir in 100g shrimp paste, ensuring it coats the meat evenly to build the flavor base.
- 4
Add 3 diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- 5
Pour in 500 ml water, cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes, until the pork is tender. Add more water if the pan looks dry. Add 300 g pumpkin (kalabasa squash), peeled and cut into chunks, and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- 6
Add 150 g long beans (string beans) cut into 5 cm pieces, 2 eggplants cut into wedges, 1 bitter melon seeded and sliced, and 150 g okra with the stems trimmed. Cover and simmer for 8 minutes, shaking the pan rather than stirring so the vegetables stay whole. Cook until all vegetables are tender but not mushy and the sauce has thickened slightly and coats them. Taste before adding any salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pinakbet?
Pinakbet is a Filipino vegetable stew originating from the Ilocos region. It consists of various vegetables sautéed with shrimp paste, pork belly, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and is commonly served as a main dish during lunch or dinner.
Can I use bottled bagoong?
Yes, standard jarred shrimp paste works perfectly for this recipe.
How do I know the pork is done?
The pork should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Which vegetables go into Pinakbet?
The classic vegetables are squash, string beans, eggplant, bitter melon and okra. The squash goes in first because it takes longest; the others are added for the final few minutes so they keep their shape.
Is it very salty?
The shrimp paste is salty, so do not add extra salt until tasting at the very end.
