Sinigang na Hipon – This easy shrimp sinigang is known for its refreshing sour broth, this dish is a delightful mix of fresh shrimp (hipon) and various vegetables simmered in a tamarind-based soup. The blend of tangy, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors makes it the perfect meal.
What is Sinigang na Hipon?
It is a traditional Filipino sour soup featuring shrimp as the star protein. The dish derives its sourness from sampalok (tamarind), which gives the broth its unique tangy flavor. The tamarind can be fresh, dried, or in a powdered form, but each variation results in a similarly sour taste. The shrimp is paired with vegetables like kangkong (water spinach), sitaw (long green beans), labanos (radish), tomatoes, and eggplant.
Why You’ll Love Sinigang na Hipon
Customizable: There are endless variations depending on the ingredients available, and it can be adjusted to suit different palates.
Refreshing and Flavorful: The sour and savory broth paired with the natural sweetness of shrimp creates an addicting balance of flavors.
Quick and Easy to Cook: This recipe can be whipped up in less than an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Nutritious: It’s packed with vegetables, making it a hearty and healthy dish.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Sinigang na Hipon
- Choose fresh shrimp: Using the freshest shrimp possible will significantly enhance the flavor of your broth. Fresh, head-on shrimp will release a deeper, richer flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and rubbery. Be sure to add them last, just before serving.
- Balance the sourness: If your Sinigang turns out too sour, you can balance the flavors by adding a bit of sugar or extra fish sauce. If it’s not sour enough, squeeze in some extra tamarind paste or calamansi juice.
- Boost the umami: Consider adding a small piece of shrimp bouillon or miso for added depth and complexity in the broth.
- Make it spicy: For a spicy twist, add sliced green chilies or even a touch of chili flakes.
Recipe Variations
While the classic version is beloved by many, there are several ways to put your spin on Sinigang na Hipon:
Sinigang na Hipon sa Miso: Add miso paste for a slightly sweeter and richer broth.
Sinigang with Green Mango: Instead of tamarind, use green mango for a fruity tang.
(Taro) Sinigang na Hipon with Gabi : Adding taro thickens the broth, creating a heartier texture.
Sinigang with Pineapple: Some regions in the Philippines add pineapple chunks to their Sinigang for a touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Sinigang na Hipon
Sinigang na Hipon is best served piping hot with steamed white rice on the side. The tangy broth pairs wonderfully with the neutral flavor of rice, soaking up the savory, sour flavors. For an extra touch, serve it alongside sawsawan (a dipping sauce) made of fish sauce, calamansi, and chopped chili. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the shrimp and vegetables.
How to Store Sinigang na Hipon
If you have leftovers, Sinigang na Hipon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If possible, it’s best to remove the shrimp from the soup before storing and add it back when reheating to prevent it from getting rubbery.
Can you freeze Sinigang na Hipon?
Technically, you can freeze the soup without the shrimp, as frozen shrimp may lose its ideal texture when thawed and reheated. If you plan to freeze the broth, do so before adding the shrimp, and then cook fresh shrimp when ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sinigang na Hipon can be adapted with other seafood like squid, mussels, or even fish. You can also try a combination of shrimp and other seafood for a Sinigang na Seafood twist.
Can I make this Sinigang without tamarind?
Yes, you can use other souring agents like calamansi juice, green mango, or even batuan (a fruit native to the Visayas region). Each souring agent will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I thicken the broth?
If you prefer a thicker, richer broth, you can add gabi (taro) to your Sinigang. The taro will dissolve slightly into the broth, giving it a creamy consistency.
What vegetables can I substitute?
If you don’t have access to traditional Sinigang vegetables like kangkong or sitaw, you can use spinach, string beans, or bok choy as substitutes.
Sinigang na Hipon (Shrimp)
Sinigang na Hipon - This easy shrimp sinigang is known for its refreshing sour broth, this dish is a delightful mix of fresh shrimp (hipon) and various vegetables simmered in a tamarind-based soup. The blend of tangy, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors makes it the perfect meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp
- 4 cups water
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, quartered
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 medium radish (labanos), sliced
- 1 small bunch yard-long beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 pieces okra
- 1 pack (22g) tamarind mix (Sinigang Mix)
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 bunch water spinach (kangkong), tips and upper stalk only
- 2-3 pieces green finger chili (siling pangsigang)
Instructions
- Boil the broth: In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add aromatics: Toss in the tomatoes and onions. Let them cook for about 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Cook the radish: Add the sliced radish and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add shrimp and tamarind mix: Once the shrimp turn pink, stir in the tamarind mix. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the yard-long beans, okra, and green chilies. Bring the soup back to a boil and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season and finish: Season with fish sauce, then add the eggplant. Let it cook for about 1 minute before adding the water spinach. Push the spinach leaves down gently to submerge them and let it simmer for 1 final minute.
- Serve: Transfer your Sinigang na Hipon to bowls and serve hot with steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 329Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 256mgSodium 2141mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 8gSugar 10gProtein 38g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
With its bright, tangy flavors and the umami-packed punch from shrimp, Sinigang na Hipon is a dish that represents the heart of Filipino home cooking. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some of the suggested variations, this versatile soup is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting warmth of this Filipino favorite!
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