Sinigang na Baka: Filipino Beef Tamarind Soup

Sinigang na Baka: Filipino Beef Tamarind Soup

Sinigang na Baka is a classic Filipino sour soup featuring tender beef simmered in a tangy tamarind broth with vegetables like taro, eggplant, and leafy greens. This comfort dish balances savory, sour, and umami flavors, with variations using beef ribs, neck bones, or shank.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• ½–2 lbs beef (shank, ribs, or neck bones), cut into pieces
• 1 (20g) packet tamarind soup mix (e.g., Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok)
• 6 cups rice washing water (hugas bigas) or regular water
• 1 medium radish (labanos), sliced
• 2–3 taro roots (gabi), peeled and quartered
• 1 Chinese eggplant, sliced
• 10–12 okra, whole
• 1 bunch water spinach (kangkong), trimmed
• 2 tomatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2–3 tbsp fish sauce (patis)
• 1–2 long green peppers (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions and tomatoes until softened.
2. Brown beef: Add beef pieces and sear until lightly browned.
3. Simmer beef: Pour rice water (or regular water) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes until beef is tender. Skim off impurities.
4. Add souring agent: Stir in tamarind mix and beef powder (if using). Add taro and radish; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add vegetables: Add eggplant, okra, and green peppers; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in fish sauce to taste.
6. Finish with greens: Add kangkong and simmer for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Serve hot with rice.

Tips

• For richer broth: Use beef bones (neck or ribs) and skim fat after simmering.
• Adjust sourness: Start with half the tamarind mix, then add more to taste.
• Alternate methods: Pressure-cook beef (25–30 minutes) to save time.

FAQ

Can I use fresh tamarind instead of a mix?
Yes! Soak 1 cup tamarind pulp in warm water, strain, and use the liquid (adjust to taste).

What if I don’t have taro?
Potatoes or green papaya are good substitutes.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking vegetables.

Related guides

• Beef Broccoli: A Filipino-Inspired Stir-Fry
• The Complete Guide to Beef Caldereta (Kalderetang Baka)
• Beef Giniling: A Classic Filipino Ground Beef Recipe
• Beef Mechado: A Classic Filipino Tomato-Based Beef Stew Recipe
• Beef Morcon: A Classic Filipino Dish

Sources

• Sinigang na Baka Recipe
• Beef Sinigang sa Kamias (Sinigang na Baka) - Panlasang Pinoy