Sinigang na Hipon: A Taste of the Sea in Every Spoonful
4-6 Servings
Sinigang na Hipon is a beloved Filipino sour soup that celebrates the delicate sweetness of shrimp and the tangy flavors of tamarind. This heartwarming dish features plump shrimp simmered in a flavorful broth with a medley of vegetables like okra, string beans, radish, and kangkong leaves. It’s a light and refreshing yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
15min Prep
20min Cook
INGREDIENTS
- 500g (1.1 lbs) shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup tamarind pulp (or sinigang mix)
- 1 onion, wedged
- 2 tomatoes, wedged
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 3-5 long green peppers (siling pangsigang)
- 1 radish (labanos), peeled and sliced
- 1 bunch string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6-8 pieces okra
- 1 bunch kangkong leaves
- Fish sauce (patis) to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make the Broth: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the tamarind pulp (or sinigang mix), onions, tomatoes, and ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes. If using tamarind pulp, strain the broth to remove the pulp.
2. Add the Shrimp: Gently add the shrimp to the broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through.
3. Add the Vegetables: Add the long green peppers, string beans, radish, okra, and kangkong leaves. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Season and Serve: Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice.
The Story of Sinigang na Hipon:
Sinigang na Hipon is a dish that celebrates the bountiful seafood of the Philippines. It’s a light and refreshing soup that’s perfect for hot weather or when you’re feeling under the weather. The tamarind broth is believed to have cooling properties and is often used in traditional medicine to help with digestion and other ailments.
This dish is a testament to the versatility of Filipino cuisine, showcasing how a few simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
