Sinigang Recipe: How to Make the Best Filipino Sour Soup at Home

Few dishes represent Filipino cuisine better than sinigang—a tangy, comforting, and deeply savory soup that warms the soul. Whether you’re new to Filipino cooking or looking to perfect your version, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best sinigang recipe at home.

🥣 What is Sinigang?

Sinigang is a classic Filipino soup known for its sour and savory flavor, usually achieved by using tamarind (sampalok), though other souring agents like calamansi, green mango, or even tomatoes can also be used. It’s typically cooked with pork, shrimp, beef, or fish, simmered with a variety of vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), radish, eggplant, string beans, and okra.

What makes sinigang so special is its balance of flavors—a perfect harmony of tanginess, umami, and freshness that’s both comforting and revitalizing.

🛒 Ingredients for Classic Pork Sinigang

Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional Pork Sinigang with Tamarind:

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) pork belly or pork ribs, cut into chunks

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• 1 medium daikon radish, sliced
• 1 cup long green beans (sitaw)
• 1 medium eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup kangkong (water spinach) or spinach
• 1-2 green chili peppers (optional for spice)

Sour Base:

• 1 pack (about 40g) tamarind soup base mix (like Knorr or Mama Sita’s)
  or
• 1 cup fresh tamarind pulp (boiled and strained)

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis), or to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups water

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pork

In a large pot, place the pork and pour in water. Bring it to a boil, then skim off the scum that rises to the surface. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.

💡 Tip: Use a pressure cooker to cut cooking time in half!

2. Add Tomatoes and Onion

Once the pork is tender, add the tomatoes and onions. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and have released their juices into the broth.

3. Add the Tamarind Mix

Stir in your tamarind soup base or fresh tamarind pulp. Mix well and taste. Adjust the sourness by adding more if needed. This is where the soup gets its iconic tang!

4. Season the Broth

Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Some like it salty and sour, others prefer a lighter broth—this is your moment to customize.

5. Cook the Vegetables

Add the radish, eggplant, and long beans. Simmer for 5–8 minutes until vegetables are just tender.

6. Finish with Leafy Greens and Chili

Add the kangkong or spinach and green chili (if using). Simmer for 2 more minutes and turn off the heat. The greens cook quickly and should stay vibrant.

📝 Recipe Notes & Variations

• Protein Options:
  • Sinigang na Hipon (Shrimp Sinigang): Use shrimp and cook only for 3–5 minutes.
  • Sinigang na Baka (Beef Sinigang): Use beef shanks or brisket.
  • Sinigang na Isda (Fish Sinigang): Use bangus (milkfish) or tilapia.
• Souring Alternatives:
  • Fresh tamarind (boiled and mashed) for a natural taste
  • Green mango for a fruity sourness
  • Calamansi or lemon for citrusy brightness
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped siling labuyo (bird’s eye chili) if you like it hot.
• Make it Vegan: Use mushrooms or tofu as protein and vegetable broth instead of meat stock.

🍚 What to Serve with Sinigang

Sinigang recipe is best enjoyed with steamed white rice—the tangy soup pairs beautifully with the plain grains, soaking up every drop. Some also enjoy it with a side of fish sauce with chili and calamansi as a dipping sauce for the meat.

For an extra comforting meal, serve it hot on a rainy day or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s the Filipino version of chicken noodle soup—a hug in a bowl.

🇵🇭 The Cultural Heart of Sinigang

More than just a dish, sinigang recipe is a culinary symbol of Filipino identity. It reflects the Filipino palate’s love for bold, sour, and savory flavors, as well as the importance of communal meals. It’s a dish that brings families together, especially during Sunday lunches or special gatherings.

In fact, CNN named Sinigang one of the best soups in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. The layers of flavor, the nourishing ingredients, and the pure comfort it brings make it unforgettable.

📦 How to Store and Reheat Sinigang

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze sinigang for up to 2 months (minus leafy greens, which you should add fresh later).
• Reheat: Simmer gently on the stove or microwave until hot. Add a splash of water if the broth has thickened.

📌 Final Thoughts

Sinigang recipe s more than just a soup—it’s a flavor experience that’s unique to the Philippines. This easy, foolproof recipe ensures that you can recreate this national treasure in your own kitchen, whether you’re Filipino or simply a fan of bold, comforting dishes.