Pinakbet Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and String Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stew of eggplant, string beans, and okra simmered in coconut milk until tender, with a savory-sweet depth from fresh tomatoes and onions. This filipino-inspired filipino ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium Eggplant, String beans, Okra for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup chopped onion, sautéing for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 cups diced eggplant (1 medium), 1 cup string beans, and 1/2 cup sliced okra to the pot, stirring to coat with oil. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium chopped tomato, 13.5 oz coconut milk, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender but hold shape.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pinakbet Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and String Beans 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 Pinakbet Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and String Beans?

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 medium eggplant from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pinakbet Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and String Beans?

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 Pinakbet Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and String Beans 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.

What goes well with Pinakbet Vegetable Stew with Eggplant and String Beans?

Filipino filipino like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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