Sinigang na Baboy

A Flavorful Filipino Dish

When it comes to hearty, flavorful, and comforting meals, Sinigang na Baka (Beef Sinigang) is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. This Filipino favorite is a sour, savory stew made with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy broth that is sure to warm you up, no matter the weather. Whether it’s a rainy day or a family gathering, Sinigang na Baka is the ideal dish for bonding over a delicious, home-cooked meal.

Just like the traditional Sinigang na Baka, this beef version is equally tasty, but with the rich depth of flavor that only beef can bring. Whether you’re using beef short ribs, shank, or brisket, the result is always the same—a mouthwatering, tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. The tanginess of the tamarind-based broth brings the dish to life, making every spoonful an irresistible experience.

For those who love comforting Filipino dishes like Adobo or Kare-Kare, this Sinigang na Baka will quickly become a household favorite. Ready to try it out? Let’s dive into this Filipino recipe that’s bound to impress.

What is Sinigang na Baka?

Sinigang na Baka—sounds delicious, right? But what does it mean? Well, “Sinigang” refers to the sour, savory soup or stew that’s a beloved part of Filipino cuisine, and “Baka” is simply the Filipino word for beef. So, Sinigang na Baka is a tangy beef stew that features beef chunks cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables.

The key to making this dish so irresistible is the combination of tamarind, vegetables, and the rich beef flavor. It’s a dish that really speaks to the Filipino soul—comforting, nourishing, and always satisfying. Much like the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” Sinigang na Baka can win over anyone, regardless of age.

Ready to bring the warmth of this Filipino classic into your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Sinigang na Baka

Here’s why you’ll love making Sinigang na Baka at home:

1. Main Highlight: The tender beef and the sour broth are a match made in heaven. The beef is simmered to perfection, absorbing all the flavors of the broth, while the vegetables soak up the tangy goodness, making every bite a flavor-packed experience.
2. Cost-Effective: Making Sinigang na Baka at home is an affordable way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal. Beef shank or short ribs, which are commonly used in Sinigang, are budget-friendly cuts that deliver delicious results. Add in some veggies and tamarind paste, and you have a complete meal.
3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The beauty of this dish is the contrast of flavors—sour from the tamarind, salty from the fish sauce, and rich from the beef. Plus, you can add vegetables like eggplant, radish, and string beans, creating a wonderful variety of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

If you enjoy Filipino dishes like Lechon Kawali or Pinakbet, Sinigang na Baka will feel like the perfect addition to your recipe collection. It’s a comfort food that never disappoints.

How to Make Sinigang na Baka

Quick Overview

Making Sinigang na Baka is incredibly easy and doesn’t require much preparation time. You’ll be simmering beef to tender perfection and then adding in fresh vegetables and a tangy broth for a satisfying meal. In less than an hour, you’ll have a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for the whole family.

Let’s dive into the details:

Key Ingredients for Sinigang na Baka

• Beef Shank or Short Ribs: 1 lb (cut into large chunks)
• Tamarind Paste or Fresh Tamarind: 3-4 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
• Water: 6 cups
• Tomatoes: 2 medium (quartered)
• Onion: 1 large (quartered)
• Radish (Labanos): 1 medium (sliced)
• Eggplant: 1 large (cut into chunks)
• String Beans (Sitaw): 1 cup (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• Kangkong (Water Spinach): 1 bunch (optional, or substitute with spinach)
• Green Chili (Siling Panigang): 1-2 whole (optional, for heat)
• Fish Sauce: 2-3 tablespoons (for saltiness)
• Salt and Pepper: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: In a large pot, add the beef shank or short ribs along with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the beef is tender and cooked through. Skim off any scum that forms on the surface to ensure a clear broth.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the tomatoes, onion, and radish to the pot. Continue simmering for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
3. Create the Tangy Broth: Stir in the tamarind paste (or fresh tamarind) and fish sauce. Adjust the sourness of the broth to your liking by adding more tamarind paste if you prefer it more tangy.
4. Add the Remaining Vegetables: Add the eggplant, string beans, and chili if you like a bit of heat. Let them cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
5. Finish with Kangkong: Add the kangkong (water spinach) last. This leafy green cooks quickly and adds a beautiful touch to the dish. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, then taste the broth one last time to adjust the seasonings.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Sinigang na Baka hot with steamed white rice on the side. This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and flavorful!

What to Serve Sinigang na Baka With

While Sinigang na Baka is a complete meal on its own, here are some sides that will complement the flavors even more:

• Steamed White Rice: A must-have with any Filipino dish, it perfectly balances the sourness of the soup.
• Puto: Soft and slightly sweet rice cakes that make a great side dish if you want something sweeter to pair with the savory soup.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: These beverages will refresh you and balance the richness of the beef and sourness of the broth.

Top Tips for Perfecting Sinigang na Baka

• Don’t Rush the Beef: The key to a perfect Sinigang na Baka is tender beef. Let it simmer long enough to become tender and juicy. Beef shank or short ribs are great choices as they provide rich flavor.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as okra or sweet potatoes, depending on what’s available or to suit your personal taste.
• Perfect the Sourness: Adjust the tamarind to your liking. Some people prefer a very tangy broth, while others may want it a bit milder. Start small, then taste and adjust.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Sinigang na Baka is perfect for leftovers. In fact, the flavors deepen as it sits!

• Storing: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. If the broth thickens too much, simply add a bit of water to loosen it up.

Recipe Schema Markup for Sinigang na Baka

• Preparation Time: PT15M
• Cooking Time: PT45M
• Total Time: PT1H
• Type of Recipe: Main dish, Soup
• Cuisine: Filipino
• Keywords: Sinigang, Filipino beef soup, sour beef stew, tamarind soup, beef stew, comfort food, Filipino recipes
• Recipe Yield: 4-6 servings
• Calories: 350-450 calories per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)

Pros:

• Hearty and full of flavor
• Simple ingredients and easy to make
• Affordable and perfect for feeding a crowd

Cons:

May not be for those who don’t enjoy sour flavors
Takes time to cook the beef until tender