Garlic-Infused Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth
A comforting Filipino sour soup featuring pork simmered in a tangy tamarind broth with fresh vegetables and garlic notes. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 90 minutes pairs water, tamarind paste, medium tomatoes, quartered for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 cups water
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cup daikon radish, sliced
- 1 cup string beans, trimmed into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup eggplant, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups water spinach (kangkong) or spinach
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- to taste salt and pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1.5 pounds pork shoulder cubes, 8 cups water, 2 quartered tomatoes, 1 quartered onion, and 4 crushed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour until pork is tender.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 tablespoons tamarind paste and 3 tablespoons fish sauce, mixing well to create a tangy broth.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced daikon radish, 1 cup trimmed string beans, and 1 cup sliced eggplant to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are cooked but still firm.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups water spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Infused Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic-Infused Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Infused Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic-Infused Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Garlic-Infused Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth?
Filipino pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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