Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this authentic Beef Sinigang Filipino recipe! This classic dish is a staple in Filipino cuisine, known for its sour and savory broth, tender beef, and an array of vibrant vegetables. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade Filipino food!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger groups.
- 1 lb beef brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, sliced
- 1 cup sinigang sa sampalok mix (Tamarind soup mix - readily available in Asian grocery stores) Alternatively, you can use 1 cup of tamarind paste, dissolved in 2 cups of water, or 2 cups of ripe guava, diced
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup long green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup kangkong (water spinach), roughly chopped Alternatively, use spinach or bok choy
- 1 cup radish, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup string beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 Thai chili peppers, sliced (for extra heat)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor.
Building the Broth:
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the ginger and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Add the sinigang sa sampalok mix (or your chosen souring agent). Stir well to dissolve. If using tamarind paste, strain the mixture to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the broth will become!
Adding the Vegetables:
- After 1.5-2 hours, add the long green beans, kangkong (or your chosen leafy green), radish, and string beans. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Don't overcook!
- Add the quartered tomatoes and chili peppers (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Seasoning and Serving:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Beef Sinigang:
- For a richer broth: Use beef bones along with the brisket.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Adjust the sourness: If you prefer a less sour broth, reduce the amount of sinigang mix or tamarind paste. Conversely, add more for a stronger sour flavor.
- Experiment with other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like eggplant, bitter melon, or even mushrooms.
Variations:
- Pork Sinigang: Replace the beef with pork shoulder or pork belly for a different flavor profile.
- Seafood Sinigang: Use shrimp, prawns, or fish for a lighter version.
- Vegetable Sinigang: Omit the meat entirely for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
Enjoy your delicious and heartwarming bowl of Beef Sinigang! This easy recipe is a fantastic introduction to Filipino cuisine, and a perfect example of healthy and delicious homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite.