Slow Cooker Beef Sinigang with Tamarind and Vegetables

Prep: 15 minCook: 5 hr10 servingsmediumFilipino
Slow Cooker Beef Sinigang with Tamarind and Vegetables

A comforting Filipino sour soup featuring tender beef chuck roast simmered with tamarind broth and fresh vegetables. This slow cooker version delivers the classic tangy flavor of sinigang with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a warming, satisfying meal. The tamarind packet provides authentic sourness while the combination of potatoes, green beans, bok choy, and cabbage creates a hearty, nutritious dish that's traditionally served over steamed rice.

Ingredients

10 servings
  • 4 small Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
  • 1 packet tamarind based sinigang
  • 6 cups water
  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast
    pork shoulder1:1pork

    same cooking time

    Full guide →
  • 1 pound green beans, halved
  • 1 head bok choy, chopped
    spinach8 ozeasier to find

    add in last 30 minutes

    Full guide →
  • 10 ounces angel hair cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
    salt1 tspvegetarianfish-free

    less umami depth

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add cubed potatoes, tamarind sinigang packet, and water to slow cooker

  2. 2

    Add chuck roast to slow cooker and cover

  3. 3

    Cook on high for 4 hours

  4. 4

    Remove lid and add green beans, bok choy, and cabbage

  5. 5

    Cover and continue cooking for 1 hour

  6. 6

    Remove beef with tongs and slice into chunks on cutting board

  7. 7

    Return beef to slow cooker

  8. 8

    Stir in fish sauce and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Brown the chuck roast in a skillet before adding to slow cooker for deeper flavor and better texture

Tip 2

Add vegetables in stages to prevent overcooking - harder vegetables like potatoes first, leafy greens last

Tip 3

Adjust sourness by adding more tamarind paste or a squeeze of lime juice before serving

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight containers

Make Ahead

Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop

Serve With

Serve hot over steamed rice with lime wedges on the side

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Add vegetables at proper times to avoid mushy texture

Watch

Don't skip slicing the beef to ensure tender, bite-sized pieces

Substitutions

beef chuck roast
pork shoulder1:1pork

same cooking time

Full guide →
tamarind packet
fresh tamarind paste2 tbspvegetarian

may need salt adjustment

bok choy
spinach8 ozeasier to find

add in last 30 minutes

Full guide →
fish sauce
salt1 tspvegetarianfish-free

less umami depth

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, beef short ribs or brisket work well but may need longer cooking time. Avoid lean cuts as they become tough.

What if I can't find tamarind sinigang packets?

Use 2-3 tablespoons tamarind paste mixed with 1 teaspoon salt, or substitute with lime juice for sourness.

How long will this keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop, adding water if needed to thin consistency.