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Sinigang – What is the Filipino dish Sinigang?

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Brian Kennett

Brian Kennett

Amateur Chef and Foodie Extraordinaire

All you will ever need to know about Sinigang!

Sinigang is a very popular Filipino food. It is basically a sour soup dish, made with tamarind and meats like pork belly, gabi, beef, chicken, pork ribs, fish and prawns. It is often also made with vegetables, like kangkong, taro, radish, green beans, okra, bok choi, green chillies, tomatoes, and eggplant.

The term “sinigang” comes from the verb “sigang” which means “to stew” – therefore, Sinigang means “stewed”. This Filipino dish has been around for centuries and is still a popular choice among Filipinos. It is often convenient to cook and has been on the top 10 delicious dishes ever since.

Sinigang Soup Recipe

Sinigang is such a popular Filipino dish, another one of those infamous, find-everywhere dishes synonymous to the Philippines. But, you do get many different Sinigang Versions that you will surely love include Sinigang na Baboy, Sinigang na Gulay, Pork Ribs Sinigang, and Sinigang na Bagnet.

It is a hearty and flavourful dish that is enjoyed by so many people in the Philippines and around the world, and I can vouch for that. My wife loves Sinigang, and we constantly have this wherever we can get our hands on it across the planet. Litres was consumed on our recent trip to Bohol, I kid you not.

It is such a popular Filipino food that we called it out in our blog; 40 Unbelievable Filipino Foods.

We also write a ‘what to eat’ when visiting the Philippines post-Covid calming, and getting back to the 100’s of Filipino Festivals and Fiestas. Read our 14 Exciting Filipino Festivals in 2023.

Watch our 40 unbelievable Filipino foods video!

What are the origins of Sinigang?

Sinigang is a traditional Filipino dish that has been a part of Philippine cuisine for many centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Philippines, although there are also similar dishes found in other parts of Southeast Asia. The use of Tamarind is an obvious choice for the sourness as it is a type of fruit native to tropical regions of Asia. Other souring agents that are sometimes used in Sinigang include guava, mango, or calamansi, which is a small citrus fruit native to the Philippines.

Sinigang on Wikipedia

Is Filipino Sinigang healthy? What does sinigang do to your body?

Yes, Filipino Sinigang is a very healthy dish. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and is a great source of protein and fiber. The tamarind base helps in boosting the immune system, providing a good amount of Vitamin C, and it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Studies have also shown that consuming Sinigang can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the calcium extracted from the bones of the pork used in the recipe helps in recovering from childbirth and in combating diabetes.

What is Sinigang broth made of?

Sinigang broth is usually made with a combination of tamarind, calamansi juice, and other seasonings such as garlic, onions, and chillies. It is also commonly spiced with fish sauce, patis, and ground pepper. The tamarind gives the soup its traditional sour flavours, while the calamansi juice adds a subtle sweetness. The other seasonings and spices bring out its flavour and add a more complex flavour to the dish.

Is Sinigang the best soup in the world?

sinigang pork soup

Sinigang is widely hailed as one of the best soups in the world, and it certainly has many devoted fans. It’s rich and flavourful, and its sourness can add a welcome zing to any meal. It’s also a very versatile dish, and can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables. While it may not be the absolute best soup in the world, it certainly is a favourite among Filipino culture and Filipino cuisine.

How do you get the bitterness out of Sinigang?

There are a few different methods for reducing the bitterness of Sinigang. The simplest is to add a few tablespoons of sugar or white vinegar to the soup to help balance out the flavours. Additionally, adding a few slices of ripe, juicy tomatoes can help to balance out the acidity of the soup. Finally, adding a few slices of ginger to the soup can also help to reduce the bitterness by adding a bit of sweetness and spice.

What are the tools used in cooking Sinigang?

For cooking Sinigang, you’ll need a few kitchen tools. These include a large pot or stock pot, a cutting board, a knife, a ladle and a spoon. You will also need measuring cups and spoons for measuring out ingredients. With these tools, you’ll be ready to cook up a delicious and flavourful Sinigang!

How to cook Sinigang?

Sinigang Pork Soup Recipe

This delicious Sinigang recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. It’s simple and easy to make, and the end result is a wonderfully flavourful soup that’s perfect for a cozy evening slurp.

Sinigang Pork Soup Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 pieces de-seeded tamarind pods
  • 4-5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small head of bok choy, chopped
  • 1 large daikon radish, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper

Sinigang Pork Soup cooking Instructions:

  • Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the pork cubes and cook until browned.
  • Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
  • Add the fish sauce, tamarind pods, chicken broth, tomato, bell pepper, bok choy, and daikon radish.
  • Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add freshly ground black pepper and adjust seasoning to taste.

How to cook Sinigang na Bangus

Milk Fish

This Sinigang na Bangus recipe is a classic Filipino dish that’s sure to please the whole family. It’s packed with flavour and healthy ingredients, and the end result is a wonderful soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. My wife’s absolute favourite fish on this planet is Bangus, AKA Milkfish. You can fry it, boil it, steam it, BBQ it, sun-dry it, and so on. It is truly one very versatile fish.

What is a Milkfish?

Milkfish, also known as Chanos chanos, are a type of fish that may be discovered in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In a great number of nations, notably in Southeast Asia, it plays an essential role in food. Because Milkfish are noted for having a high oil content and a robust flavour, they are frequently used as an ingredient in various recipes, including fish stews, fish curries, and of course soups – like Sinigang.

Sinigang na Bangus Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Bangus (milkfish), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 pieces peeled and de-seeded tamarind pods
  • 4-5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small head of bok choy, chopped
  • 1 large daikon radish, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper

Sinigang na Banguus cooking Instructions:

  • Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Bangus cubes and cook until lightly browned.
  • Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
  • Add the fish sauce, tamarind pods, chicken broth, tomato, bell pepper, bok choy, and daikon radish.
  • Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add freshly ground black pepper and adjust seasoning to taste.

Our conclusion of Sinigang, the infamous Filipino food

In summing up, Sinigang is a delectable and nourishing soup that is an essential component of the Filipino culinary scene. I should know it is the ‘always-order’ no matter where we go. It should come as no surprise that Sinigang is so popular given the sour and salty flavour it imparts, its adaptability, and the cultural significance it holds. It’s got that Thai mantra of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour, just with Sinigang you can add chili on the side.

Sinigang can be a nutritious choice for individuals who are searching for a meal that is both substantial and delicious because it is made with a variety of fresh ingredients, including tamarind, vegetables, and lean meats or seafood. Sinigang is an excellent Filipino food for anyone searching for a dish that will warm them up on a chilly day or provide them with a nourishing meal that will help them maintain their health and well-being.

If you want a taste of the Philippines without leaving the comfort of your own home, give this Sinigang soup recipe a try at home. We have given you the recipe bullets for you to load into your cooking gun – FIRE!!!

Still if you don’t want to use our Sinigang Recipe and cook for yourself here are some recommendations of Filipino Restaurants in Singapore where you can get your Sinigang fix.

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