Ginger-Simmered Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth and Vegetables

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

A comforting Filipino sour soup featuring tender pork simmered with fresh ginger, tamarind broth, and a medley of crisp vegetables. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 95 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, water, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, pour 8 cups water and add 2 lbs pork shoulder cubes along with 2-inch piece thinly sliced fresh ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour, partially covered, until pork is tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 quartered tomatoes, and stir well. Simmer for 10 minutes until broth is slightly sour and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced radish, 1 cup trimmed and cut string beans, 1 medium sliced eggplant, and 2 whole green chili peppers if using. Cook for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Season soup with 3 tbsp fish sauce, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir in 2 cups water spinach or bok choy leaves and cook for another 2 minutes until greens are wilted.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Simmered Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth and Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (15 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 Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth and Vegetables?

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 Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth and Vegetables?

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 Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth and Vegetables 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 Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth and Vegetables?

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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