Ginataang Kalabasa, Sitaw at Hipon

A comforting Filipino stew with squash, long beans, and shrimp simmered in creamy coconut milk.

Ginataang - a Filipino stew with squash, green beans, and shrimp.

about this recipe

“Ginataan” is a Filipino term which refers to food cooked with coconut milk. This particular recipe is a beloved Filipino dish where savoury shrimp (“hipon”), winter squash (“kalabasa”), and tender long beans (“sitaw”) are simmered in rich coconut milk. It’s hearty, gently spiced, and absolutely perfect with steamed rice.

ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 2 cups coconut milk (1x 400mL can)
  • 2 chili peppers (leave seeds in for spice)
  • 4 cups kalabasa (butternut squash), peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
  • 2 cups sitaw (green beans), ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
  • ½ pound large shrimp
  • Salt, to taste

method

  1. In a wide pan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened
  2. Stir in fish sauce and cook for 1 minute
  3. Add coconut milk and chili peppers. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly reduced
  4. Add the squash and simmer 10-15 minutes, until desired texture
  5. Add the long beans and cook another 3–5 minutes, until just tender
  6. Add shrimp and cook 4–5 minutes, until pink and cooked through
  7. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with plenty of steamed rice

cooking tips

  • Keep shrimp shells on for more flavour, or peel for easier eating
  • Simmer coconut milk gently—avoid boiling to prevent curdling
  • Top with cilantro for extra flavour