Easy Soup Filipino Recipe

Filipino cuisine is full of vibrant flavors, rich history, and unique combinations of ingredients that bring comfort and joy. One of the most beloved dishes in Filipino households is soup. Whether it’s a rainy day, a family gathering, or just a comforting evening meal, Filipino soups never disappoint. They are not just meals, but experiences-full of memories, laughter, and the warmth of home.

In this guide, we’re going to focus on an easy-to-make, yet absolutely delicious Filipino soup recipe. This dish will capture the essence of Filipino flavors and bring a taste of the Philippines right to your kitchen. Perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike, this recipe can be made with simple ingredients, requiring minimal prep but delivering maximum comfort.

So, get ready to dive into a delightful Filipino soup recipe that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

The Filipino soup we’ll be preparing is Sinigang na Baboy, or Pork Sinigang. This is one of the most famous and cherished soups in the Philippines. It’s a tangy, savory soup made with pork, vegetables, and a signature souring agent. The richness of the pork combined with the refreshing sourness of the broth is just the right balance of flavors that everyone loves.

It’s not only flavorful but also highly adaptable to whatever you have in your pantry. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Ingredients Needed

To make this mouthwatering Sinigang na Baboy, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pork (typically Pork Belly, Shoulder, Or Ribs)

The pork provides the rich, savory flavor that forms the base of this soup. The fatty cuts like belly and ribs give the soup a luxurious mouthfeel.
Tamarind Paste Or Fresh Tamarind

This is the key ingredient for the signature tangy, sour flavor. Tamarind is a fruit native to Southeast Asia and is used widely in Filipino cooking to create a sharp, refreshing broth.
Tomatoes

They add a subtle sweetness that balances the sourness of the tamarind and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Onions

Onions contribute sweetness and depth to the soup base, and they also bring an aromatic richness to the dish.
Radish (Labanos)

Radish adds a crisp texture and mild spice that complements the soft pork and the sour broth.
Eggplant (Talong)

Eggplants absorb the flavorful broth beautifully, adding a silky texture and mild flavor.
Long Green Beans (Sitaw)

These beans provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of the other vegetables and absorb the rich flavors of the soup.
Water Or Broth

Depending on your preference, you can use plain water for a light broth, or you can use pork broth for added depth.
Fish Sauce (Patis)

This adds saltiness and a distinct umami flavor that is a hallmark of Filipino dishes.
Salt And Pepper

To taste. The fish sauce usually provides enough salt, but adjust if necessary.
Chili Pepper (Optional)

For a bit of spice, you can add some fresh chili pepper. It’s not traditional in every sinigang, but if you like heat, it’s a great addition.
Water Spinach (Kangkong)

This leafy green is common in Filipino soups. It wilts into the broth, adding a tender texture and freshness.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

Prepare The Pork

Start by cutting the pork into bite-sized pieces. For the best result, use pork belly or pork ribs because the fat will melt into the broth, making it rich and flavorful. If you’re using fresh tamarind, you’ll need to boil it first to extract the sour flavor.
Sauté The Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and tomatoes, and sauté them until they soften and become aromatic. This step helps develop the base flavor of the soup.
Cook The Pork

Add the pork into the pot and brown it on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavor and gives the soup a more developed taste.
Add The Tamarind

Once the pork is browned, add your tamarind paste or fresh tamarind. If you’re using fresh tamarind, you can drop it whole, or extract the juice first by boiling the tamarind and straining it. Add enough water to cover the pork. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
Add The Vegetables

After the pork is tender, add the radish, eggplant, and green beans. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft but still vibrant.
Season The Soup

Add fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the sourness by adding more tamarind if needed. You can also add a bit of sugar if you prefer a sweeter version, though it’s optional.
Add The Greens

Right before serving, add the kangkong (water spinach) or any other leafy greens you prefer. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the greens are just wilted.
Serve

Serve your Sinigang na Baboy hot with steamed white rice on the side. You can also add a small dish of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) for extra flavor, although it’s optional.

Ingredient Insights

Each of the ingredients in Sinigang na Baboy plays a crucial role in balancing the soup’s flavors:

Tamarind: The sour element, tamarind, is the heart of sinigang. It not only brings a zesty tang to the soup but also contributes depth. In the Philippines, it’s typically harvested from tamarind trees that grow abundantly in tropical climates.
Pork: The fatty cuts of pork like belly or ribs are perfect for sinigang because they impart a rich, savory flavor as they cook. The fat dissolves into the broth, making it lush and satisfying.
Vegetables: The vegetables like eggplant, radish, and green beans add texture and freshness. Eggplant, in particular, absorbs the sour broth, making each bite a delightful experience.
Fish Sauce: This is a key seasoning in Filipino cooking. It’s the perfect balance of salty and umami, giving sinigang a savory depth that’s hard to replicate with any other ingredient.

Expert Tips

Adjust The Sourness

Sinigang’s defining characteristic is its sourness, but everyone’s tolerance for tangy flavors is different. Start with a moderate amount of tamarind, then taste and adjust until it’s perfect for your palate. If you want a super sour version, use more tamarind or even add a bit of green mango.
Try Other Souring Agents

While tamarind is the most popular, you can also use green mango, calamansi, or even kamias (bilimbi) as a souring agent. Each one brings a slightly different flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite.
Use Bone-in Pork For More Flavor

Bone-in cuts like pork ribs or neck bones infuse the broth with more flavor than boneless cuts, which will make your sinigang even richer.
Don’t Overcook The Vegetables

While it’s tempting to simmer everything for a long time, overcooking the vegetables can lead to a mushy texture. Add them at the right time, so they stay tender and retain their flavor.
Add A Little Sugar

If your tamarind is very sour, you can balance it out by adding a small amount of sugar. This will round out the flavors without making it too sweet.

Recipe Variations

Sinigang is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations you can try:

Sinigang Na Baboy With Miso

Adding a tablespoon of miso paste to your sinigang gives it a deeper umami flavor. It’s a great twist if you want to elevate the dish further.
Sinigang Na Hipon (Shrimp Sinigang)

Instead of pork, use shrimp for a lighter, quicker alternative. The shrimp will cook much faster than pork, so add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Sinigang Na Bangus (Milkfish Sinigang)

For a different flavor, you can use bangus (milkfish) instead of pork. The delicate flavor of milkfish pairs wonderfully with the sour broth.
Add Sweet Potatoes

In some regions of the Philippines, sweet potatoes (kamote) are added to sinigang for a subtle sweetness and extra texture.

Final Words

Filipino sinigang is a dish that’s as diverse as the country itself. It’s comforting, flavorful, and deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or you’ve made it a hundred times, this dish will never fail to bring warmth to your table. From the sourness of the tamarind to the savory pork, it’s an unforgettable flavor experience.

Sinigang na Baboy is a recipe that invites creativity. Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or make your own variations, you can always tailor it to your taste. It’s a versatile dish that brings people together and evokes the true spirit of Filipino hospitality.