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
- In a large pot, combine the water, onion, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 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
- Stir in the tamarind paste (or fresh tamarind if using) to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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!