Shrimp Sinigang Soup Recipe

Sinigang is a classic Filipino dish that has been cherished for generations. This sour, savory soup is a comforting bowl of goodness, and when made with shrimp, it becomes a light yet flavorful dish perfect for any meal. Let’s dive into a simple and delicious Shrimp Sinigang recipe that will have your taste buds dancing!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Shrimp Sinigang:

  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
  • 3-4 cups water (adjust based on desired consistency)
  • 2 cups tamarind paste or fresh tamarind (if available)
  • 2 long green chili peppers (optional for added heat)
  • 1 medium radish (labanos), sliced thinly
  • 1 eggplant, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups water spinach (kangkong) or other leafy greens like bok choy
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the sourness)

Pro Tip: Adjust the sourness with the tamarind according to your taste. For an extra zing, add a little more tamarind paste, but be cautious as it can quickly overpower the other flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

  1. In a large pot, combine the water, onion, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the broth is flavorful.

Pro Tip: Simmering the onions and tomatoes before adding the tamarind creates a rich base flavor for your sinigang broth. Do not skip this step for that authentic taste!

Step 2: Add the Tamarind

  1. Stir in the tamarind paste (or fresh tamarind if using) to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
  2. Taste the broth and add salt, fish sauce, and sugar to balance the sour and salty notes. If you prefer a richer, more complex flavor, you can add soy sauce here.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

  1. Add the radish and eggplant to the pot. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

  1. Gently drop the shrimp into the broth and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as it can become tough.

Step 5: Add Greens

  1. Add the water spinach (kangkong) or your choice of leafy greens into the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can add green chili peppers at this stage. They won’t make the soup spicy if you leave them whole, but they’ll infuse a mild heat into the broth.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

  1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add more fish sauce, salt, or sugar to achieve the perfect balance of sourness and saltiness.

Serving Tips

  • Serve your Shrimp Sinigang piping hot with steamed rice on the side.
  • Pair with a squeeze of lime or fresh calamansi for a bit of extra citrus.
  • For an added touch, enjoy the soup with a side of fish sauce and chili for dipping.

Pro Tip: This sinigang tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp Sinigang is a comforting, flavor-packed soup that balances sour, salty, and savory flavors beautifully. This easy-to-make recipe brings the flavors of the Philippines to your kitchen, and it’s sure to become a favorite for your family and friends.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different proteins like fish, pork, or beef in place of shrimp, but shrimp sinigang will always remain a classic!

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