Tamarind Pork Sinigang with Bitter Melon and Tomatoes
A bright, tangy soup featuring pork belly simmered in a tamarind-infused broth with bitter melon and tomatoes for balanced sourness. This filipino-inspired asian ready in about 50 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Pork belly
- 3 tbsp (45g) Tamarind paste
- 4 cups (950ml) Water
- 1 cup (100g) Bitter melon
- 2 medium (250g) Tomatoes
- 1 medium (100g) Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 100g sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 2 minutes until softened. Add 450g cubed pork belly and cook for 3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups water, 3 tbsp tamarind paste, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 100g sliced bitter melon and 250g diced tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind Pork Sinigang with Bitter Melon and Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Pork Sinigang with Bitter Melon and Tomatoes?
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 Pork Sinigang with Bitter Melon and Tomatoes?
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 Pork Sinigang with Bitter Melon and Tomatoes 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 Pork Sinigang with Bitter Melon and Tomatoes?
Filipino asian 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.
