There’s something timeless about a warm bowl of monggo. This Filipino monggo recipe with pork and shrimp is rich, savory, and perfect for everyday meals—not just for Fridays. Soft mung beans simmer with tender pork and aromatics until creamy, then get a final flourish from juicy shrimp and fresh greens like malunggay or alugbati.
In Filipino households, monggo isn’t just a stew—it’s a memory. It’s filling yet frugal, flavorful yet forgiving. Every family has their own version. Some add coconut cream, others use dilis or pata, but one thing stays the same: monggo is always best with fried fish and hot rice.
Why You’ll Love This Filipino Monggo Recipe
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Affordable and feeds a crowd
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Naturally nutrient-rich from beans and leafy greens
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Customizable: make it meatless, coconut-rich, or spicy
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Deeply comforting, especially on rainy days
🥄 Chef Tatung says: “Simmering the monggo low and slow gives you that creamy texture—without adding cream.”
Prep Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
Set A – Simmer
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350 grams pork kasim or belly
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1 ½ cups monggo (mung beans), soaked in water for at least 1 hour
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5 to 6 cups water, or as needed
Set B – Sauté
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4 tablespoons cooking oil
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1 head garlic, minced
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2 onions, chopped
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4 tomatoes, diced
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1 cup shrimp, shelled and deveined
Set C – Finish
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1 bunch ampalaya leaves, alugbati, or malunggay (substitute with spinach if needed)
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Fish sauce and cracked black pepper, to taste
How to Cook Filipino Monggo Recipe
1. Simmer the Base
In a large pot, combine monggo, pork, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until pork is tender and mung beans have softened, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Skim off any scum that rises.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
While the beans simmer, heat oil in a separate pan. Sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes until softened. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked.
3. Combine & Finish
Add the sautéed shrimp and aromatics into the pot of monggo. Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with fish sauce and black pepper. Stir in leafy greens and cook just until wilted.
Make It Your Way
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Creamy twist: Add ½ cup coconut cream
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Budget-friendly: Swap shrimp for fried dilis or smoked fish
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Bolder version: Use pork pata instead of kasim
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Veggie boost: Add squash or thin ampalaya slices
Simpol Tip: Double or triple the batch and freeze the extra portions. Monggo reheats beautifully and makes for a quick, comforting meal later in the week.
What to Serve With Filipino Monggo
Pair this dish with these Simpol favorites:
– Crispy Fried Galunggong
– Daing na Bangus
– Garlic fried rice or plain steamed rice
Related Recipes on Simpol.ph
– Ginataang Kalabasa with Sitaw
– Ginisang Ampalaya with Egg
– Utan Bisaya Vegetable Soup
