Ginger-Simmered Beef Sinigang with Tamarind Broth

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tangy and savory Filipino soup featuring tender beef simmered with fresh ginger and tamarind, accented by crisp vegetables. This filipino-inspired soups ready in about 90 minutes pairs beef short ribs, cut into chunks, water, inch piece fresh ginger, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 8 cups water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 lbs beef short ribs and 2-inch sliced fresh ginger, reducing to a simmer and cooking uncovered for 1 hour until beef is tender.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 quartered tomatoes, and 1 cup sliced daikon radish. Simmer for 15 minutes until radish softens.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup long green beans and 2 cups chopped bok choy. Cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Season the broth with 2 tbsp fish sauce, salt to taste, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Simmered Beef Sinigang with Tamarind Broth take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (10 min prep + 80 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 Ginger-Simmered Beef 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 Ginger-Simmered Beef 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 Ginger-Simmered Beef 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 Ginger-Simmered Beef Sinigang with Tamarind Broth?

Filipino soups 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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