Irresistible Filipino Saging at Ginamos
This authentic Filipino dish combines sweet saging (bananas) with the umami depth of ginamos (fermented shrimp paste) for a comforting yet bold flavor experience.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 ripe saging (cooking bananas or plantains) yellow peels with some black spots
- 3 tbsp high-quality ginamos (fermented shrimp paste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 tbsp brown sugar optional, for balance
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch diagonal slices for better caramelization.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Stir in the ginamos (fermented shrimp paste) and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Gently fold in the sliced saging and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Taste and adjust the balance by adding brown sugar if needed. Add salt to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Try substituting ginamos with bagoong alamang (shrimp paste) or miso paste for a different twist. Saging na saba works best, but ripe plantains can also be used.