Sinigang Tamarind Soup with Pork and Vegetables

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

A tangy and refreshing Filipino sour soup featuring tender pork simmered with tamarind broth and fresh vegetables. This filipino-inspired soups ready in about 65 minutes pairs pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, tamarind paste, water 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 55 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 1.5 pounds pork shoulder cubes, 6 cups water, 1 large quartered onion, and 3 quartered tomatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes until pork is tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp tamarind paste, stirring well to dissolve, then add 1 cup sliced radish, 1 cup trimmed string beans, 1 cup 2-inch eggplant pieces, and 1 whole green chili pepper. Simmer for another 10 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 2 cups water spinach leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt to taste. Remove chili pepper before serving for milder flavor or leave in for heat. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sinigang Tamarind Soup with Pork and Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (10 min prep + 55 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 Sinigang Tamarind Soup with Pork 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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sinigang Tamarind Soup with Pork 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 Sinigang Tamarind Soup with Pork and Vegetables 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 Sinigang Tamarind Soup with Pork and Vegetables?

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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