Go Back

How to Cook Sinigang na Tilapia

This is a recipe of sinigang na tilapia
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Fish Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: fish sinigang, sinigang tilapia
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 140kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo tilapia cleaned, scales and innards removed and cut into 2 pcs each
  • 3 pcs tomatoes quartered
  • 1 pc onion quartered
  • 2 pcs green chilies or siling haba
  • 1 pc thumb sized ginger sliced
  • 150 grams sampalok tamarind fruit
  • 3/4 cup talbos ng kamote sweet potato leaves
  • 3 Tbsp. patis or fish sauce
  • 1 pcs small radish slice diagonally
  • 6 cups rice wash or rice water
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

How to cook Sinigang na Tilapia:

  • In a pot, bring the rice wash to a boil. Then put the onions, tomatoes and ginger. Boil for another 2 minutes and cover.
  • Then add the tamarind fruit and boil again for another 2 minutes or until the tamarind is soft. Remove from the pot and put in a small bowl. Press the tamarind using a spoon to crush the fruit.
  • Get some soup from the pot and pour on the tamarind. Extract the juice from the tamarind while pressing the fruit in the strainer directly above the pot. Discard the seeds and peel. Then add the tilapia and radish in the pot and bring to a boil.
  • While the soup is boiling add in the siling haba, kamote tops, patis and pepper. Cover and boil for another 3 minutes or until done. Serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips of Sinigang na Tilapia:

  • Choose Fresh and Clean-Tasting Tilapia: When making Sinigang na Tilapia, opt for tilapia varieties known for their mild and clean taste. Look for fish that has clear eyes, shiny scales, and a fresh oceanic smell. Avoid varieties that taste muddy or overly fishy, as they can affect the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Use Tangy Tamarind for Authentic Flavor: Tamarind is the key ingredient that provides the distinct tanginess in Sinigang na Tilapia. Use fresh tamarind fruit or tamarind concentrate to achieve an authentic and flavorful broth. The sourness of the tamarind balances well with the other ingredients, creating a deliciously tangy soup.
  • Enhance with Fresh Vegetables: To add freshness and texture to your Sinigang na Tilapia, include a variety of vegetables such as radish, kamote tops (sweet potato leaves), and siling haba (long green chili). These vegetables not only complement the flavors of the dish but also provide additional nutritional value. Ensure you cook the vegetables just enough to retain their vibrant color and crispness.