Sinigang is a popular Filipino soup or stew characterized by its distinctly sour flavor, which is typically achieved using tamarind as the souring agent. It’s known for its balance of sourness, savory taste, and often a bit of saltiness. Sinigang can be made with various meats such as pork (commonly pork ribs), beef, shrimp, or fish, and it is typically loaded with vegetables like radish, eggplant, green beans, tomatoes, and spinach.
The key components of a sinigang dish include:
- Souring Agent: Traditionally tamarind (either fresh tamarind fruit, tamarind paste, or tamarind soup base mix) is used to provide the distinctive sour taste. Other alternatives like green mango, calamansi (Philippine lime), or even unripe tomatoes can be used.
- Meat: Typically pork (ribs or belly), beef (shank or ribs), shrimp, or fish (often bangus or milkfish).
- Vegetables: Common vegetables include radish (labanos), eggplant, green beans, tomatoes, water spinach (kangkong), and taro (gabi) leaves.
Sinigang is usually served hot and is enjoyed year-round in the Philippines, often accompanied by steamed rice. It’s cherished not only for its refreshing sourness but also for its comforting and hearty qualities. Variations of sinigang exist throughout the Philippines, with each region or household adding its own twist to the recipe, adjusting the sourness level or types of ingredients used. It remains a beloved dish that showcases the Filipino preference for tangy and savory flavors in their cuisine.
Here’s a Keto-friendly recipe for Beef Sinigang, a popular Filipino sour soup, adapted to fit a low-carb diet:
Keto Beef Sinigang
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Serving Size: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef shank or beef ribs, cut into serving pieces
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 1 medium daikon radish (labanos), peeled and sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- 2-3 pieces green chili peppers (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) tamarind soup base mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- In a large pot, combine beef shank (or ribs) with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, skimming any scum that rises to the surface.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender.
Add Vegetables:
- Add onion and tomatoes to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add daikon radish (labanos) and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
- Add eggplant and green beans. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
Season the Soup:
- Stir in fish sauce and tamarind soup base mix. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using green chili peppers for added heat, add them now and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Finish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in spinach leaves until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, ideally in bowls with some of the broth, beef, and a variety of vegetables in each serving.
Nutrition Information per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 7g
Tips:
- Adjust the sourness of the soup by adding more or less tamarind soup base mix, according to your preference.
- You can add other low-carb vegetables like bok choy or cabbage if desired.
- Enjoy your Keto Beef Sinigang as a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for any occasion.
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This Keto-friendly Beef Sinigang retains the traditional flavors of the Filipino dish while being low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a Keto diet.
