Spicy Filipino Mung Bean Stew with Spinach and Coconut Milk

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

A comforting Filipino mung bean stew simmered with spices, fresh spinach, and creamy coconut milk for a hearty vegetarian meal. This filipino-inspired vegetarian ready in about 60 minutes pairs mung beans (munggo), rinsed, water, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 cup rinsed mung beans and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until beans are tender.
  2. Step 2: While beans cook, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped medium yellow onion, and 1 tbsp julienned ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced medium tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes until softened and saucy.
  4. Step 4: Transfer sautéed aromatics to the pot with mung beans. Stir in 1 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until stew thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 cups chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with steamed white rice for a nourishing vegetarian meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Filipino Mung Bean Stew with Spinach and Coconut Milk take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Spicy Filipino Mung Bean Stew with Spinach and Coconut Milk?

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), rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Filipino Mung Bean Stew with Spinach and Coconut Milk?

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 Spicy Filipino Mung Bean Stew with Spinach and Coconut Milk 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 Spicy Filipino Mung Bean Stew with Spinach and Coconut Milk 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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