Pinoy Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth

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

A hearty Filipino sour tamarind soup featuring tender pork and fresh vegetables simmered to savory, tangy perfection. This filipino-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cubed, water, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 lb cubed pork shoulder with 6 cups water, 2 quartered medium tomatoes, and 1 sliced medium onion. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for 45 minutes until pork is tender.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste until fully dissolved, then add 1 cup peeled and sliced daikon radish. Cook for 10 minutes until radish softens.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup trimmed string beans, 1 sliced medium eggplant, and 2 whole green chili peppers. Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Season the soup with 2 tbsp fish sauce and salt to taste. Finally, stir in 2 cups fresh spinach or kangkong leaves and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pinoy Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Pinoy 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 pork shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pinoy 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 Pinoy Pork Sinigang with Tamarind Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pinoy 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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