Beef Sinigang Soup Recipe
Beef Sinigang is a popular Filipino dish known for its tangy, savory, and comforting flavors. This hearty soup is a perfect dish for rainy days or when you want to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal. The sourness of the tamarind, combined with tender beef and a variety of vegetables, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s how you can make this delicious Beef Sinigang at home.
Ingredients
To make a classic Beef Sinigang, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb beef short ribs or shank (cut into pieces)
- 10 cups water
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 1-2 long green chilies (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 packet (or 1/4 cup) Sinigang mix (or fresh tamarind paste for more authentic flavor)
- 1 cup radish (labanos), sliced
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup long green beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch lengths
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced (optional for extra heartiness)
- 1 bunch water spinach (kangkong) or any leafy greens like bok choy or mustard greens
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fish sauce (optional, for added umami)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by washing the beef and cutting it into pieces if necessary. Beef short ribs or shank are ideal because they become tender and flavorful after long simmering. Place the beef in a large pot and cover it with about 10 cups of water.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a clearer broth, skim off the scum that rises to the top after bringing the beef to a boil. This helps remove impurities and results in a cleaner soup.
2. Bring to a Boil
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer. Let the beef cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until it becomes tender. If you’re using beef shank, it might take a little longer to reach the right tenderness.
3. Add the Aromatics and Sourness
After the beef is tender, add the onion and tomatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables become soft and release their flavors. Then, stir in your Sinigang mix or fresh tamarind paste for that signature sourness. If you’re using tamarind paste, start with about 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Pro Tip: For a more vibrant sourness, you can experiment with adding a small piece of tamarind fruit or sinigang mix with more tang. Adjust the sourness based on your personal preference.
4. Add the Vegetables
Once the broth is flavored to your liking, it’s time to add the vegetables. Start with the radish, eggplant, and green beans. These vegetables will take around 10-15 minutes to cook until they’re tender. Add potatoes if you prefer a heartier soup.
5. Final Touches
In the last few minutes of cooking, add your leafy greens like water spinach (kangkong) or bok choy. These delicate greens only need a couple of minutes to cook, so be sure to add them just before turning off the heat. Taste the soup and adjust with salt, pepper, or fish sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
Pro Tip: If the broth gets too sour, you can balance it with a small amount of sugar or fish sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is perfectly cooked, serve your Beef Sinigang hot with steamed rice. The tender beef and tangy broth are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Beef Sinigang
- Use bone-in beef cuts like short ribs or shank for the richest flavor. The bones add depth to the broth.
- Sourness levels can vary based on personal preference. Always taste as you go, and feel free to adjust the sourness with more tamarind or a squeeze of lime.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together more deeply. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Beef Sinigang is the ultimate comfort food, with its perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to Filipino cuisine, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
