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Ginataan na Hipon Recipe

PHOTO: ZOE TAPALGO
YIELDS:
3 SERVING(S)
Prep Time:
10 MINS
Total Time:
30 MINS
Cal/Serv:
526

Nutritional Information

Calories 1578 kcal
Fat 113 g
Saturated fat 75 g
Trans fat 0 g
Cholesterol 805 mg
Sodium 2917 mg
Carbohydrates 46 g
Fiber 7 g
Sugar 14 g
Protein 114 g
Vitamin D 0 µg
Calcium 506 mg
Iron 18 mg
Potassium 3002 mg

Note: The information shown is Edamam's estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

Ginataang Hipon is a rich and comforting Filipino dish made with fresh shrimp simmered in creamy coconut milk, garlic, onions, and spices. Known for its savory flavor with a hint of natural sweetness from the coconut, this dish perfectly captures the warmth of traditional Filipino home cooking. Best enjoyed with steamed rice, Ginataang Hipon is a simple yet flavorful seafood dish that brings together the freshness of the ocean and the creamy goodness of coconut-based cuisine.

Recipe tips: Keep the shrimp shells on for more flavor. The shells help enrich the coconut sauce. Do not overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly. Once pink and curled, they’re done. Use kakang gata (first press coconut milk) if available for a richer, more authentic flavor. Simmer on low to medium heat to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Ginger helps reduce the “fishy” smell and balances the richness of the coconut milk. If using squash, cut into small cubes so they cook evenly and soften into the sauce.

Substitutions

Shrimp: prawns, crab, mussels, or firm fish like bangus or tilapia.
Sitaw: pechay, spinach, malunggay, or cabbage.
Squash: sweet potato or green papaya.
Fresh coconut milk: canned coconut milk. For a lighter version, use coconut cream + water.
Fish sauce: soy sauce with a squeeze of calamansi or lime.
Long green chilies: siling labuyo for extra spice, or omit entirely.

What to serve with it: Steamed white rice — the classic pairing. Garlic rice for extra flavor. Fried fish such as Daing na Bangus. Vegetable side dishes like Ensaladang Talong. A cold drink like calamansi juice or iced tea to balance the richness.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoon cooking oil
  • 4 Clove garlic, minced
  • 1 Small onion, sliced
  • 1 Piece thumb-sized ginger, sliced thinly
  • 500 Gram shrimp (with shells on, cleaned)
  • 400 Milliliter coconut milk
  • 2 Piece green chilies (optional)
  • 1 Cup squash or sitaw/string beans (optional)
  • 1 Teaspoon Fish sauce (patis) to taste
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Teaspoon ground black pepper
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Directions

Step 1

Begin by heating the cooking oil in a clean pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm gradually before adding the aromatics to ensure that they cook evenly and release their flavors properly. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and ginger to the pan. Sauté the ingredients gently while stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning or sticking to the surface of the pan. Continue cooking until the garlic becomes lightly fragrant, the ginger releases its warm aroma, and the onions soften and become slightly translucent. This step helps build a flavorful base for the dish by allowing the natural flavors of the aromatics to infuse into the oil before adding the remaining ingredients.

Step 2

Once the garlic, onion, and ginger have become fragrant and softened, carefully add the cleaned shrimp to the pan. Stir the shrimp gently to coat them with the aromatic mixture, allowing them to absorb the flavors while cooking. Continue sautéing for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp begin to change in color from grayish to a light pink and become slightly firm. Turn the shrimp occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage, as they will continue cooking with the remaining ingredients. Once the shrimp have started to turn pink, proceed with the next step of the preparation.

Step 3

After the shrimp have started to cook, slowly pour the coconut milk into the pan, allowing it to blend with the sautéed aromatics and shrimp. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients and help the coconut milk absorb the flavors from the garlic, onion, and ginger. Reduce the heat slightly and allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, letting the coconut milk warm and thicken gradually. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil, as high heat may cause the coconut milk to separate and lose its smooth, creamy texture. Continue stirring occasionally while allowing the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that will complement the shrimp.

Step 4

Once the coconut milk has reached a gentle simmer, add the sliced onion leeks and long green chili to the pan. Stir the ingredients carefully to ensure that they are evenly distributed and fully coated with the creamy coconut sauce. Allow the mixture to continue simmering for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion leeks become tender and the chili releases its flavor into the dish. Keep the heat at a moderate level to maintain the smooth texture of the coconut milk while allowing the ingredients to cook properly. After the vegetables have softened, season the dish with fish sauce, salt, and pepper according to your preferred taste. Add the seasonings gradually, then stir gently to ensure that the flavors are evenly blended throughout the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed until the dish reaches a balanced combination of savory, creamy, and aromatic flavors.

Step 5

Continue simmering the dish for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to cook completely and absorb the rich flavors of the coconut sauce. During this time, the shrimp should become firm, tender, and fully change to a pink color, while the sauce gradually thickens and develops a smoother, creamier consistency. Stir gently from time to time to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan and to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated. Once the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has reached the desired thickness, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and serve while it is still hot. Pair it with freshly steamed rice, allowing the rice to complement the creamy sauce and savory flavors of the shrimp for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

 

Ginataan na Hipon
PHOTO: ZOE TAPALGO
Alexander Villarante

Alexander Villarante

Food Editor

Alexander Villarante studied culinary arts in the Singapore Boston Business School and has over 15 years of experience working in luxury five-star hotels abroad. He competed in the Philippine Culinary Cup where he bagged several citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid watering down the sauce.

They turn pink and opaque with a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curls tightly into an “O.”

Yes. Add more green chilies or chopped Siling Labuyo.

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