Gising Gising Recipe: A Fiery Filipino Stir-Fry That Will Wake Up Your Taste Buds!

Gising Gising! The name itself suggests something exciting, and this Filipino dish delivers on that promise. “Gising” translates to “wake up,” and this spicy green bean stir-fry is guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish, typically made with ground pork, green beans (string beans), shrimp paste (bagoong), chilies, and coconut milk. The combination of savory pork, salty shrimp paste, creamy coconut milk, and fiery chilies creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exhilarating. This recipe will guide you through creating an authentic and delicious Gising Gising in your own kitchen.

What is Gising Gising?

Gising Gising is a popular dish originating from Pampanga, Philippines, a region known for its rich culinary heritage. While variations exist across different regions and households, the core components remain consistent: ground meat (usually pork), long green beans, shrimp paste (bagoong), and coconut milk. The spice level can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, making it a versatile dish for those who enjoy a kick or prefer a milder flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Gising Gising Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty, savory, spicy, and creamy flavors is simply irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together relatively quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients to your liking. Try adding shrimp, tofu, or different types of vegetables.
• Authentic Taste: This recipe captures the authentic flavors of traditional Gising Gising.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Gising Gising. We’ll also discuss substitutions and variations.

• 500g Ground Pork: Ground pork is the most common choice for Gising Gising. You can use lean ground pork or a slightly fattier blend for extra flavor. Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• 500g Green Beans (String Beans): Fresh green beans are essential. Choose firm, bright green beans. Wash them thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Yardlong beans (sitaw) are also a great option and are commonly used in the Philippines.
• 2-3 tbsp Shrimp Paste (Bagoong Alamang): Shrimp paste is a crucial ingredient that provides a salty and umami flavor. Use good quality shrimp paste for the best results. If you are sensitive to the strong smell of shrimp paste, you can lightly sauté it in oil before adding it to the dish to mellow out the aroma. For a vegetarian/vegan option, you can experiment with using fermented bean paste (miso) or a combination of soy sauce and seaweed flakes, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
• 1 large Onion: Chopped onion forms the base of the flavor profile. Yellow or white onion works well.
• 4-6 cloves Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish.
• 2-3 Red Chilies (Thai Chilies or Bird’s Eye Chilies): The chilies provide the heat. Adjust the quantity according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor. You can also use chili flakes. For a milder version, consider using milder chilies like jalapeños with the seeds removed.
• 200ml Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish, balancing out the saltiness and spiciness. Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture. You can use light coconut milk for a lower-fat option, but the dish won’t be as creamy.
• 2 tbsp Cooking Oil: Use any neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil.
• Salt and Pepper to taste: Season the dish to your liking. Remember that shrimp paste is already salty, so add salt sparingly.
• Optional: Shrimp (250g, peeled and deveined): Shrimp adds extra flavor and protein. Add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from overcooking.
• Optional: Ginger (1 thumb-sized piece, minced): Ginger adds a warm and aromatic note.
• Optional: Green Onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh and vibrant touch.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet or Wok
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Spoons and Cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making Gising Gising:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and trim the green beans. Cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger (if using). Chop the onion. Slice the chilies. Peel and devein the shrimp (if using).
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Ground Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the Shrimp Paste: Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The aroma will become more pronounced.
5. Add the Green Beans and Chilies: Add the green beans and chilies to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
6. Add the Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Add the Shrimp (Optional): If using shrimp, add it to the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery.
8. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that shrimp paste is already salty, so add salt sparingly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions (if using). Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips for Making the Best Gising Gising

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and good quality shrimp paste will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: The green beans should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or fewer chilies depending on your spice preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: If using shrimp, add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Serve Immediately: Gising Gising is best served hot, right after it’s cooked.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan Gising Gising: Substitute the ground pork with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Omit the shrimp or substitute with mushrooms. For the shrimp paste, experiment with fermented bean paste (miso) or a combination of soy sauce and seaweed flakes.
• Seafood Gising Gising: Add other types of seafood, such as squid or mussels, in addition to shrimp.
• Chicken Gising Gising: Use ground chicken instead of ground pork.
• Spicier Gising Gising: Add more chilies or use a hotter variety of chili. You can also add chili oil.
• Gising Gising with Squash: Add cubed squash (kalabasa) for a sweeter and more colorful dish.
• Gising Gising with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Gising Gising is typically served with steamed rice. It can also be served as a side dish or as part of a larger Filipino meal. Here are some other serving suggestions:

• Serve with a side of fried eggs for a complete meal.
• Serve with other Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, or kare-kare.
• Serve with a side of atchara (pickled papaya) to balance the richness of the dish.
• Use it as a filling for spring rolls or lumpia.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Gising Gising can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 25-35g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 15-25g

Gising Gising Recipe Card

Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 500g Ground Pork
• 500g Green Beans (String Beans), cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• 2-3 tbsp Shrimp Paste (Bagoong Alamang)
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 4-6 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2-3 Red Chilies (Thai Chilies or Bird’s Eye Chilies), sliced
• 200ml Coconut Milk
• 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Optional: 250g Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Optional: 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger, minced
• Optional: Green Onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and trim the green beans. Cut them into 1-2 inch pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger (if using). Chop the onion. Slice the chilies. Peel and devein the shrimp (if using).
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Pork: Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add the Shrimp Paste: Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Green Beans and Chilies: Add the green beans and chilies to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
6. Add the Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Add the Shrimp (Optional): If using shrimp, add it to the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
8. Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that shrimp paste is already salty, so add salt sparingly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions (if using). Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy Your Gising Gising!

This Gising Gising recipe is a delicious and authentic way to experience the flavors of the Philippines. With its combination of savory pork, salty shrimp paste, creamy coconut milk, and fiery chilies, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Happy cooking!