Sinigang na Hipon, or shrimp sinigang, is a beloved Filipino sour soup known for its tangy flavor and comforting qualities. This traditional sinigang recipe features shrimp simmered in a savory broth made sour with tamarind, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to cook sinigang na hipon, a delightful tamarind shrimp soup that showcases the essence of Filipino cuisine. This seafood sinigang is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it a favorite among families.
Understanding Sinigang na Hipon
Sinigang na Hipon, or shrimp sinigang, is a cherished dish in Filipino cuisine, renowned for its tangy and comforting flavors. This traditional Filipino sour soup is characterized by its clear broth, infused with the unique sourness of tamarind, which is a key ingredient in many sinigang recipes.
The dish typically features vibrant shrimp, along with an assortment of vegetables such as radish and eggplant. Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor profile, creating a delightful tamarind shrimp soup that warms the heart and satisfies the palate. Learning how to cook sinigang na hipon is a rewarding experience that brings the essence of Filipino cooking into your home.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of shrimp sinigang lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. A pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, serves as the star of the dish, while the addition of radish and eggplant provides texture and nutrition.
Water spinach, or kangkong, is often included for its vibrant color and slight crunch, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish. The broth, made from a combination of water, onion, and tomatoes, forms a savory base that perfectly complements the sourness from the tamarind.
The Cooking Process
Preparing sinigang na hipon is a straightforward process that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Begin by boiling water in a large pot, then add quartered onions and tomatoes to create a flavorful broth.
Once the onions and tomatoes have softened, introduce the sliced radish and eggplant. These vegetables need a few minutes to cook until tender, allowing their flavors to meld into the broth. The next step involves adding tamarind paste or fresh tamarind, adjusting the amount based on your preferred level of sourness.
Bringing It All Together
After the vegetables have cooked, it’s time to add the shrimp and fish sauce. The shrimp cooks quickly, turning pink in just a few minutes, which is a sign that it’s ready to be enjoyed. Finally, stir in the water spinach and let it wilt for a minute, adding a fresh touch to the dish.
Seasoning with salt and pepper, and optionally adding chili peppers for a hint of heat, completes the preparation. The result is a steaming bowl of seafood sinigang that is both comforting and invigorating.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, ladle the shrimp sinigang into bowls, ensuring each serving is filled with shrimp, vegetables, and that flavorful broth. A side of steamed rice is a must, as it pairs perfectly with the sour soup, balancing the flavors beautifully.
The presentation is inviting, especially when served on a rustic wooden table, which enhances the traditional Filipino dining experience. The vibrant colors of the shrimp, radish, and eggplant against the clear broth make for an appealing dish that is sure to impress family and friends.
Enjoying Sinigang na Hipon
Whether enjoyed on a rainy day or as a comforting meal any time of year, sinigang na hipon is a dish that resonates with many. Its tangy flavor and wholesome ingredients make it a staple in Filipino households, cherished for both its taste and the warmth it brings.
As you savor each spoonful, you’ll appreciate the rich culinary heritage that this traditional sinigang represents. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that showcases the best of Filipino shrimp soup.
Easy Shrimp Sinigang Recipe
This shrimp sinigang features fresh shrimp cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables like radish, eggplant, and water spinach. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cups water
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 1 radish (daikon), sliced
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 2 cups water spinach (kangkong) or other greens
- 1-2 cups tamarind paste or fresh tamarind (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili peppers for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the quartered onion and tomatoes, and simmer for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced radish and eggplant, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Incorporate Tamarind: Add the tamarind paste or fresh tamarind to the pot, adjusting the amount to achieve your desired level of sourness.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp and fish sauce to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Finish with Greens: Stir in the water spinach and cook for an additional minute until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and chili peppers if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the shrimp sinigang into bowls and enjoy hot with steamed rice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
