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Sinigang na Baka

A classic Filipino sour soup featuring tender beef shank simmered with vegetables in a savory tamarind broth.

110 minMediumServes 6380 cal/serving

FilipinoSoupStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SugarPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef shank, cubed
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 yellow onion, quartered
  • 2 roma tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 lb taro root, cubed
  • 1 cup daikon radish, sliced
  • 3 tbsp tamarind soup base mix
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 4 cups water spinach, trimmed

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large stockpot, bring 8 cups water to a boil over high heat.

  2. 2

    Add 2 lbs cubed beef shank, 1 quartered yellow onion, and 2 quartered roma tomatoes to the pot, then lower heat to medium-low and cover.

  3. 3

    Simmer for 60 to 70 minutes until beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F and is tender.

  4. 4

    Add 1 lb cubed taro root and 1 cup sliced daikon radish, simmering uncovered for 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind soup base mix and 2 tbsp fish sauce until completely dissolved.

  6. 6

    Add 4 cups trimmed water spinach, remove pot from heat, cover, and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Sinigang na Baka?

As written, 110 minutes: 20 of prep and 90 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 3 (1 hour 10 minutes): "Simmer for 60 to 70 minutes until beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F and is tender."

What internal temperature should Sinigang na Baka reach?

For Sinigang na Baka, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why rest the meat in Sinigang na Baka?

Step 6 reads: "Add 4 cups trimmed water spinach, remove pot from heat, cover, and let rest for 3 minutes before serving." Heat drives the juices toward the center. The rest in step 6 lets them spread back out, so they stay in the meat instead of running onto the board when you cut.

Is there a substitute for tamarind in Sinigang na Baka?

The entry for Sinigang na Baka calls for 3 tbsp tamarind soup base mix. In its place: Equal parts lime juice and brown sugar give the same sour-sweet effect. Pomegranate molasses also works where you have it.

Is Sinigang na Baka low-carb?

A serving of Sinigang na Baka carries 18 g of carbohydrate, 4 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 90 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 18 percent.

Does Sinigang na Baka contain fish?

Yes: 2 tbsp fish sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

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