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Hey there, foodie friends! Today, we’re taking a culinary trip to the Philippines with a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful: Kalabasa with Sitaw and Shrimp in creamy coconut milk. If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds with a blend of sweet, savory, and creamy goodness, then this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (deveined)
- 1 lb squash (kalabasa), peeled and cubed
- 1 lb string beans (sitaw), trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, julienned (or minced if that’s what you have on hand)
- 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking:
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by deveining your shrimp if they aren’t already prepared. Then, chop your squash into bite-sized cubes and trim and cut your string beans. Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and julienne the ginger.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until aromatic, which should only take a minute or so.
3. Add Shrimp Paste: Time to introduce that wonderful umami bomb – shrimp paste! Add it to the pan and stir-fry for another minute to release its flavors.
4. In Go the Veggies: Toss in your cubed squash and string beans. Stir everything together until the vegetables are coated with the flavorful mixture.
5. Pour in the Coconut Milk: Now comes the creamy goodness! Pour in the coconut milk and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer gently until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
6. Introduce the Shrimp: Once the veggies are almost cooked through, it’s shrimp time! Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan and let them cook until they turn pink and opaque, which should only take a few minutes. Be careful not to overcook them!
7. Season to Perfection: Taste your dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust according to your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked to perfection and seasoned just right, it’s time to dish up! Serve your Kalabasa with Sitaw and Shrimp hot, preferably over a steaming bowl of rice. Trust me; it’s the ultimate comfort food!
