Sinigang na Hipon
A classic Filipino sour and savory soup featuring tender shrimp and an assortment of fresh vegetables, soured primarily with tamarind. This is a quick and easy version perfect for a weeknight meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Large shrimp
- 1 packet (approx. 40-50g) Tamarind soup base mix
- 400 g Assorted soup vegetables
- 2 Tomatoes
- 1 Onion
- 6 cups Water
- 3-4 tablespoons Fish sauce (patis)
- 1-2 Optional: Green chili (siling haba)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the broth base: In a large pot, combine the water, quartered tomatoes, and quartered onion. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat (212°F / 100°C). Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and started to break down, releasing their juices and flavor into the water. You can gently mash the tomatoes with a spoon to help this process.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add the tamarind soup base mix and stir well until fully dissolved. Add the firmer vegetables like daikon radish and taro (if using). Bring back to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until these vegetables begin to soften.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add the remaining vegetables such as long beans, okra, and eggplant. If using, add the whole green chilies. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should retain a slight bite.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Add the prepared shrimp to the pot. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Stir in the fish sauce, starting with 3 tablespoons, and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness and umami, or a bit more tamarind mix if you prefer it sourer. Add leafy greens like bok choy or spinach in the last minute of cooking, just until wilted.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Serve hot immediately, preferably with steamed white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to sinigang is its distinct sourness. Adjust the amount of tamarind mix to achieve your desired level of tanginess.
- ✓Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- ✓Serve sinigang piping hot with plenty of steamed white rice. The rice is essential for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- ✓For a fresher tamarind flavor, you can boil fresh tamarind pods, mash them, strain the pulp into the boiling water, and then proceed with the recipe.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use fresh tamarind: Boil about 15-20 tamarind pods in 4 cups of water until soft. Mash and strain the pulp into the broth. Discard seeds and skins.
- Add other proteins like pork ribs (sinigang na baboy) or beef, which will require a longer simmering time before adding vegetables.
- Include other vegetables like corn on the cob or water spinach (kangkong).