Sinigang Recipe: Tangy Filipino Soup Made Easy
A classic Filipino sour soup, Sinigang features tender pork and crisp vegetables bathed in a tangy tamarind broth. This easy-to-follow recipe brings together savory, sour, and slightly spicy notes for a comforting bowl of soup perfect for any day.
Equipment
- Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: For simmering the soup.
- Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: To prepare meats and vegetables.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Stirring Spoon & Ladle: For mixing and serving.
- Strainer (if using fresh tamarind): To extract the pulp.
Ingredients
- Meat & Broth:
- 2 lbs pork belly or pork ribs cut into chunks
- 8 cups water
- Aromatics & Flavor Base:
- 1 large onion quartered
- 3 medium tomatoes quartered
- Vegetables:
- 1 radish daikon, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup string beans trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium eggplant cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 bundle water spinach kangkong or substitute with regular spinach (stems removed)
- Optional: 1-2 green chili peppers sliced (for added heat)
- Souring & Seasoning:
- 1 packet sinigang mix tamarind-based or 1 cup fresh tamarind pulp (soaked in hot water and strained)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce patis
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a large stockpot, combine the pork pieces and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
- Add Aromatics:
- Toss in the quartered onion and tomatoes. Allow the broth to simmer for about 20–25 minutes until the pork becomes tender.
- Incorporate the Sour Element:
- Stir in the tamarind mix (or fresh tamarind pulp) and fish sauce. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the radish, eggplant, and string beans. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until these vegetables are just tender.
- Finish with Greens:
- Stir in the water spinach (and sliced green chili peppers if using). Simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the greens wilt slightly.
- Final Seasoning & Serve:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
- Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Boiling/Simmering
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (customizable for other dietary needs)
- Keywords
- Sinigang, Filipino soup, tangy soup, tamarind broth, pork sinigang, easy Filipino recipe, comfort food, sour soup, traditional Filipino cuisine, healthy eating.
- Nutrition (Approximate values per serving)
- Serving Size: ~1.5 cups
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Notes
Variations:
Substitute pork with shrimp, fish, or beef for different flavor profiles. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
For a vegetarian version, use tofu and vegetable broth in place of pork.
Tamarind Tip:
If using fresh tamarind, soak the pods in hot water for about 15 minutes, then mash and strain to extract the pulp.
Adjusting Sourness:
Feel free to add more or less tamarind mix/pulp to suit your preferred level of tanginess.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve with steamed rice to complement the robust flavors of the soup.
Substitute pork with shrimp, fish, or beef for different flavor profiles. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
For a vegetarian version, use tofu and vegetable broth in place of pork.
Tamarind Tip:
If using fresh tamarind, soak the pods in hot water for about 15 minutes, then mash and strain to extract the pulp.
Adjusting Sourness:
Feel free to add more or less tamarind mix/pulp to suit your preferred level of tanginess.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve with steamed rice to complement the robust flavors of the soup.