Tamarind-Broth Pork Sinigang with Green Beans

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

A tangy, savory soup featuring pork belly simmered in a vibrant tamarind broth with fresh green beans and radish, offering a refreshing balance of sour and umami. This filipino ready in about 55 minutes pairs pork belly, tamarind paste, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from pork belly and cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a pot over medium heat, add pork belly, and sear for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped onion, sautéing for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste and 4 cups water, then bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup green beans, 1 medium radish (sliced), and 3 kaffir lime leaves. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until pork is tender. Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Discard kaffir lime leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Broth Pork Sinigang with Green Beans take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Tamarind-Broth Pork Sinigang with Green Beans?

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 belly from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Broth Pork Sinigang with Green Beans?

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 Tamarind-Broth Pork Sinigang with Green Beans 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 Tamarind-Broth Pork Sinigang with Green Beans?

Filipino filipino 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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