Yardlong beans, called sitaw in the Philippines, are long green beans used in many Filipino dishes. They have a mild flavor and stay a little crisp when cooked.
You'll often see sitaw in dishes like pinakbet, ginataang kalabasa, sinigang, and simple sautéed vegetables.
Here's a quick guide to what yardlong beans are, what they taste like, and how they're used in Filipino cooking.
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What Are Yardlong Beans?
Yardlong beans are long, thin green beans that grow on climbing plants.
They can grow really long-sometimes around 12 to 30 inches. Because they're so long, they're usually cut into shorter pieces before cooking.
They're sometimes called Chinese long beans, asparagus beans, or snake beans. In the Philippines, they're known as sitaw.
Sitaw is a common vegetable used in many everyday Filipino dishes.
What Do Yardlong Beans Taste Like?
Yardlong beans have a mild flavor with a slight sweetness.
They taste similar to green beans but are a little firmer when cooked.
Because the flavor is mild, they work well in many dishes and easily take on the flavor of sauces and seasonings.
Yardlong Beans vs Green Beans
Yardlong beans and green beans look similar, but there are a few differences.
Length
Yardlong beans are much longer. They can grow up to about 12 to 30 inches long. Green beans are usually only about 4 to 6 inches.
Texture
Yardlong beans are thinner and stay a little firmer when cooked.
Flavor
They taste very similar, though yardlong beans can be slightly sweeter.
In many recipes, they can be used the same way as green beans.
How to Buy Yardlong Beans
Look for beans that are bright green, firm, and smooth.
They should feel crisp and snap a little when bent.
Avoid beans that look wilted, soft, or very thick, since older beans can be tougher.
Yardlong beans are usually sold in bundles at Asian or Filipino markets.
How to Store Yardlong Beans
Store yardlong beans in the refrigerator.
Keep them in a plastic bag or container and try to use them within about 4 to 5 days.
Don't wash them until you're ready to cook them.
How to Prepare Yardlong Beans
- Rinse the beans under running water.
- Trim the ends using a knife or scissors.
- Then cut the beans into shorter pieces depending on your recipe.
Yardlong beans are usually stir-fried, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.
Filipino Recipes That Use Yardlong Beans
Sitaw is used in many Filipino dishes. Here are some common examples.
- Pinakbet: Braised vegetables with squash, eggplant, bitter melon, okra, and yardlong beans cooked with shrimp paste.
- Ginataang kalabasa at sitaw: Squash and yardlong beans cooked in coconut milk, often with shrimp or pork.
- Adobong sitaw: Yardlong beans cooked with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper.
- Sinigang: A sour soup where yardlong beans are added along with other vegetables.
- Ginisang sitaw: Sautéed yardlong beans with garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
- Bicol express: A spicy Filipino stew made with pork cooked in coconut milk, shrimp paste, and chilies.
FAQs About Yardlong Beans
Yes. In many recipes, green beans can be used instead.
They're usually cooked before eating, especially in stir-fries, soups, and stews.
Yardlong beans contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and iron.
More Filipino Food Guide
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Mike says
I have always thought string beans and sitaw are the same. This is good info. Thank you!
Nora Rey says
Hi Mike,
It's easy to confuse string beans and sitaw since they look so similar, but they actually have some distinct differences in terms of taste and texture. I'm glad you found the information helpful - it's always fun to learn something new!