Gising-Gising Recipe

Ground pork: Provides a rich, meaty base for the dish.

Green beans: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant color.

Coconut milk: Creates a creamy, luscious sauce that balances the heat.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.

Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic quality.

Red chili peppers: Brings the necessary heat and spice.

Fish sauce: Enhances the umami flavor, giving the dish a savory depth.

Cooking oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and brown the meat.

When sautéing the garlic, onion, and chili peppers, make sure to do so over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions are translucent. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for the ground pork and coconut milk.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is a leaner option and absorbs flavors well, making it a suitable alternative.

• green beans - Substitute with snow peas: Snow peas provide a similar crunch and can be chopped to match the texture of green beans.

• coconut milk - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk offers a creamy texture, though it lacks the distinct coconut flavor. Add a few drops of coconut extract if desired.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity to provide a similar aromatic base.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic; use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.

• red chili peppers - Substitute with jalapeños: Jalapeños offer a similar heat level and can be chopped to match the texture of red chili peppers.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty, umami flavor that can mimic the taste of fish sauce in a pinch.

• cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a versatile cooking oil that can be used in place of other oils for sautéing.

• Allow the Gising-Gising to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the Gising-Gising into an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that seals well to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from escaping.
• Label the container with the date you cooked the dish. This helps keep track of how long it has been stored.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The coconut milk and ground pork should remain fresh within this timeframe.
• For longer storage, place the container in the freezer. Gising-Gising can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its flavor and texture.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the Gising-Gising in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the dish's quality.
• Reheat the dish in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of coconut milk if the dish appears too dry.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the Gising-Gising in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of coconut milk or water to the pan to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover Gising-Gising to the pan.
  4. Stir occasionally, ensuring the ground pork and green beans are evenly heated.
  5. Cook until the dish is thoroughly warmed, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Serve hot with a fresh bowl of rice.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the Gising-Gising to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the dish is hot.
  6. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Gising-Gising in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through.
  5. Stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
  6. Serve immediately with a side of rice.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  2. Place the Gising-Gising in a heatproof dish that fits inside the steamer.
  3. Cover the dish with a lid or foil to prevent condensation from watering down the dish.
  4. Steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dish is thoroughly heated.
  5. Carefully remove the dish from the steamer and serve hot with rice.

• Pan: A flat-bottomed cooking vessel used for sautéing the garlic, onion, and chili peppers, as well as browning the ground pork.

• Spatula: A broad, flat utensil used for stirring and turning the ingredients in the pan to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: A sharp tool used for chopping the onion, garlic, chili peppers, and green beans.

• Cutting board: A durable board on which to place the ingredients while chopping them.

• Measuring cup: A kitchen utensil used to measure the coconut milk accurately.

• Tablespoon: A large spoon used to measure the fish sauce and cooking oil.

• Serving spoon: A large spoon used to serve the finished dish.

• Rice cooker: An appliance used to cook rice to accompany the Gising-Gising.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to hold the chopped green beans and other prepped ingredients before cooking.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the green beans, onion, garlic, and chili peppers in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-ground meat: Buy ground pork instead of grinding it yourself to save time.

One-pot cooking: Use a single pan to cook the entire dish, reducing cleanup time.

Simmer efficiently: Keep the coconut milk at a gentle simmer to cook the green beans faster without overcooking the pork.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.