Sautéed Ginisang Mung Beans with Spinach and Garlic

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

A nutritious Filipino vegetable dish featuring tender mung beans and fresh spinach sautéed with garlic and onions for a light, flavorful side. This filipino-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs mung beans (munggo), dried, water, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 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: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried mung beans under cold water then combine with 3 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until beans are tender but not mushy.
  2. Step 2: While beans cook, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium chopped onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced tomato and cook for 2 more minutes until softened. Pour in cooked mung beans with their cooking liquid and 1/2 cup additional water, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and 1 tbsp fish sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Ginisang Mung Beans with Spinach and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Sautéed Ginisang Mung Beans with Spinach and Garlic?

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 mung beans (munggo), dried from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ginisang Mung Beans with Spinach and Garlic?

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 Sautéed Ginisang Mung Beans with Spinach and Garlic 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 Sautéed Ginisang Mung Beans with Spinach and Garlic vegetarian?

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

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