Pakbet

Pakbet (short for pinakbet) is a traditional Ilocano vegetable stew made with a mix of local vegetables sautéed with bagoong (fermented shrimp or fish paste). It’s savory, earthy, and deeply Filipino, often cooked with pork belly for richness. The name pinakbet means “shrunk” or “wilted,” referring to the way the vegetables are cooked down until tender.

Ingredients:

• Pork belly, sliced into small cubes (optional, for richer flavor)
• Cooking oil
• Cloves garlic, minced
• Onion, sliced
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Small bitter melon (ampalaya), sliced
• Eggplant (talong), sliced
• Squash (kalabasa), cubed
• String beans (sitaw), cut into 2‑inch pieces
• Cup okra, sliced
• Bagoong alamang (shrimp paste) or bagoong isda (fermented fish paste)
• Water or pork broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes until softened.
3. Add pork belly and cook until lightly browned.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

1. Add squash and cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add eggplant, bitter melon, string beans, and okra.
3. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Flavor and Simmer

1. Add bagoong and water/broth.
2. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until vegetables are tender and slightly wilted.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

• Transfer to a serving dish.
• Enjoy hot with steamed rice.