Meaty pork adobo out. Adobong Sitaw recipe without meat in! This simple dish from the Philippines is made with green beans in a soy-based sauce. No special cooking methods needed for this great dish!
Try my Ginataang Kalabasa or Vegetarian Chicken Adobo recipes too!

Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and complete instructions.
- Soy sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce – Both work well. But vegetarian oyster sauce adds extra umami.
- Brown sugar – This balances the salt and vinegar.
- String beans – It's longer and slightly thinner than regular green beans. It has a tender but firm texture when cooked. If not available, regular ones can be used as a substitute.

Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Also, freezing will make the sitaw turn mushy.
FAQs

Best Adobong Sitaw Without Meat
A delicious, easy-to-make Filipino vegetable dish, this adobong sitaw features a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors—no meat needed!
Servings: -4 servings
Calories: 160kcal
Ingredients
- ½ pound (¼ kilo) string beans (sitaw) cut into 2-3 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 bay leaves or 5 peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar add 1 more tablespoon if you prefer it sweeter
- 1 -2 teaspoons salt to taste
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Pinch of mushroom seasoning optional
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and cut the string beans into 2–3 inch pieces.
- Mince the garlic and slice the onion.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onion until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Cook the String Beans
- Add the string beans to the pan and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until they turn bright green.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Add the Sauce and Seasonings
- Pour in the water, then add the vinegar and soy sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce). Stir well.
- Cover and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Season and Finish
- Add bay leaves, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and mushroom seasoning (if using).
- Mix well and continue cooking until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the string beans.
Serve
- Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy hot with steamed rice.
Serving: 1gCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 816mgPotassium: 262mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 527IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mg
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Recipes for Every Moment
Need a healthy side dish for your guests? This Adobong Sitaw Without Meat is a good option to impress everyone. And it won't take up too much of your time!




Lizzy says
Lainey, love your filipino recipes! I can't wait to try this and it seem's so easy to make!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you like them. Yes, this one's easy to make. Let me know when you try it 💛
Kian Cablinda says
Reminds me of my mom's breakfast meals <3
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
It's a sweet and special feeling, isn't it? I'm glad it reminds you of her cooking.
Ching says
This is one of my favorite Filipino dishes! Budget-friendly, savory, and healthy! 🙂
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
I'm glad it's perfect! Let me know when you've tried it
Anika says
Thank you for the amazing recipe!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
You're welcome! Have you tried it?
Sheineyss says
This meatless adobong sitaw is one of my go-to comfort dishes. Same classic adobo flavors, just veggies—and honestly, you won’t miss the meat at all 😉
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
I feel the same way. It's delicious and healthy, and easy to make. What else do you need, right?
Sweet and Spicy Girl says
Ooooooooh this is so common in karenderyas, but I prefer homemade cooking. So this recipe is perfect!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Absolutely! Cooking at home is cheaper and more fulfilling 💛
Maisaci says
Even your toddler will love this. 😊
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Yes, I think so too. Kids love simple dishes like this!
Dimple says
This is my favorite recipe! Truly. Love to see it is here