Mixed Vegetable Pinakbet with Shrimp Paste

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful medley of vegetables simmered in a savory shrimp paste broth, offering a perfect balance of umami and freshness. This filipino (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes pairs eggplant, string beans, okra for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 cup eggplant into 1-inch cubes and trim 1 cup string beans. Slice 1 cup okra into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp shrimp paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup eggplant, 1 cup string beans, and 1 cup okra. Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender but hold their shape.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mixed Vegetable Pinakbet with Shrimp Paste take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mixed Vegetable Pinakbet with Shrimp Paste?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep eggplant from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mixed Vegetable Pinakbet with Shrimp Paste?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mixed Vegetable Pinakbet with Shrimp Paste for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mixed Vegetable Pinakbet with Shrimp Paste vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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