By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 20, 2023 | Last Updated on November 22, 2023
Did you ever experience the diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine? Well, if you haven’t, it’s definitely high time to try out one of the most popular and beloved specialty dishes- a Filipino sari sari.
It is a delicious combination of bitter melon, pork, shrimp, and vegetables cooked in broth with vinegar and fish sauce.
The perfect balance between the different flavors and textures makes Filipino sari sari a perfect choice for any occasion. It is light, flavorful, and easy to make.
The slight bitterness of the bitter melon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pork and shrimp, while the vegetables bring in an extra crunchy texture.
It’s definitely worth trying at least once to experience the unique flavors that make this dish so popular in the Philippines.
In this article, I’ve shared the Filipino sari sari recipe, as well as a few tips and tricks on how to cook it perfectly. So let’s get started!
What Is Filipino Sari Sari?
Filipino sari sari is a classic dish made with bitter melon, crispy roast pork, shrimp, and various vegetables cooked in chicken broth. It is usually served with steamed white rice to balance out the flavors. The combination of sweet and savory ingredients makes this dish an interesting experience for all.
What does it taste like?
Filipino sari sari offers a proper balance of flavors, being neither too salty nor too sweet. The slight bitterness of the bitter melon is balanced out by the sweetness of pork and shrimp, while vegetables add a nice crunchy texture.
The fragrant aroma of garlic, onion and ginger blends with the flavor of fish sauce to complete this unique dish.
How did I first get introduced to the Filipino sari sari?
I was initially introduced to Filipino sari sari by my friend who had recently moved to the Philippines and fell in love with the cuisine.
She told me about the amazing flavors of this dish and how simple it is to make. After trying it, I quickly became a fan of Filipino sari sari and now enjoy making it at home every once in a while.
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How to make Filipino sari sari?
Making a Filipino sari sari is a simple process, requiring only two hours. Here are the details of the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pc. bitter melon
- 2 tbsp. white vinegar
- 1 lb. crispy roast pork
- 6 cups chicken broth
- ¼ lb. shrimp
- 1 pc. onion
- 4 pcs. garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp. fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp. fish sauce
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 pcs. eggplants
- ½ lb. beans
- 2 pcs. tomatoes
Directions
Step 1
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2
Add the pork to the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry it until lightly browned. Next, add in the bitter melon, eggplants, beans, and tomatoes. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Step 3
Pour the chicken broth, tomato paste, vinegar, and fish sauce. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 18-20 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 4
Finally, add in the shrimp and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through. Serve the sari sari with steamed white rice.
Tips
• You can also use other vegetables such as squash, okra, or even green beans in this recipe.
• If you don’t like bitter melon, you can omit it or substitute it with another vegetable.
• For a spicier version, add some chili peppers to the mixture.
Filipino sari sari recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pan
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger adding a zesty and slightly spicy kick to your recipe, infusing it with a bright and refreshing flavor that complements the other ingredients, creating a delightful and invigorating taste experience.
- 1/2 pound crispy roast pork providing a flavorful and crispy texture to your dish, adding a savory and succulent element that brings a delightful meaty richness to the recipe, creating a satisfying and indulgent experience.
- 3 cups chicken broth serving as the flavorful and aromatic base of your dish, infusing it with a comforting and savory taste that brings depth and richness to the other ingredients, creating a delicious and well-rounded flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste offering a rich and concentrated tomato flavor to your recipe, adding a tangy and slightly sweet note that enhances the overall depth of taste, creating a robust and well-rounded flavor profile.
- 1/8 pound shrimp adding a delicate and briny taste to your recipe, contributing a seafood element that complements the other flavors, adding a touch of sweetness and a satisfying texture.
- 1/2 piece onion offering a mild and slightly sweet flavor to your dish, adding a subtle depth and aroma that enhances the overall taste profile, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- 1/2 piece bitter melon known for its distinct bitter taste, adding a unique and slightly sharp flavor to your dish, providing a refreshing and invigorating element that balances the other ingredients.
- 1 piece tomato bringing a juicy and tangy element to your dish, adding a bright and refreshing flavor that balances the other ingredients, creating a burst of freshness in each bite.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil serving as the cooking medium for your dish, providing a neutral base that helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring they are cooked to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce contributing a savory and umami taste to your recipe, adding depth and complexity to the flavors, enhancing the overall savoriness of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt acting as a seasoning agent that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced and delicious taste.
- 1 piece eggplant providing a creamy and velvety texture to your dish when cooked, adding a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients, creating a satisfying and hearty bite.
- 1/4 pound beans adding a crisp and refreshing element to your recipe, offering a vibrant and slightly earthy taste that complements the other flavors, adding a delightful crunch and texture.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar offering a tangy and acidic note to your recipe, adding a bright and refreshing flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- 2 pieces garlic clove providing a pungent and aromatic note to your recipe, adding a savory and robust flavor that elevates the taste profile and adds complexity to the dish.
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the pork to the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry it until lightly browned. Next, add in the bitter melon, eggplants, beans, and tomatoes. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Pour the chicken broth, tomato paste, vinegar, and fish sauce. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 18-20 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finally, add in the shrimp and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until they are cooked through. Serve the sari sari with steamed white rice.
Notes
Nutrition Information
• Calories: 128 kcal
• Protein: 11 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 823 mg
• Potassium: 429 mg
• Vitamin A: 64 IU
• Vitamin C: 22 mg
• Calcium: 48 mg
• Iron: 1.2 mg
What to serve with a Filipino sari sari?
The Filipino Sari Sari is usually served with steamed white rice and a side of calamari or lemon juice to add some extra flavor. It can also be served with other Filipino dishes such as Pancit, Lumpia, and Adobong Manok.
Also, you can serve some fresh fruits and a dipping sauce such as Mang Tomas or Vinegaraise.
How to store leftover Filipino sari sari?
You can store leftover Filipino Sari Sari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the container in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. Besides, you can also freeze the leftover Sari Sari for up to two months.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Filipino Sari Sari since it is a healthy dish made with fresh ingredients. However, they should consult their doctor first to ensure that the ingredients are safe for them to consume. Indeed, pregnant women should always avoid eating undercooked or raw food.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of bitter melon?
Yes, you can substitute the bitter melon with any vegetables of your choice, such as squash, okra, or green beans.
How long does it take to make this dish?
It usually takes about 2 hours to prepare the Filipino Sari Sari.
Can I add other ingredients to the dish?
Yes, you can use additional ingredients such as chilies or different meats and vegetables of your choice.
Is this dish suitable for diabetics?
Yes, the Filipino Sari Sari is a healthy option for diabetics since it has fewer carbohydrates and more proteins.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this guide on Filipino sari sari recipe. I hope you found it helpful and will give this dish a try.
It is a delicious and healthy dish, packed with different vegetables, proteins, and flavorings that make it an ideal meal for any day of the week.
Furthermore, it’s easy to prepare, takes minimal effort, and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
If you like this recipe, please share it with your family and friends. Also, inform us if you have any questions or comments about this dish.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
