
Sinigang Na Bangus
Lunch • Philippines
About Sinigang na Bangus
Sinigang na Bangus is a classic Filipino ulam—one that’s deeply beloved for its sour, savory broth and hearty mix of vegetables. At a carinderia, you’ll usually find it simmering gently in huge vats, the milkfish cut into steaks and floating among kangkong (water spinach), talong (eggplant), and labanos (radish). The sourness is boosted by sampalok (tamarind), and sometimes tomatoes, making it comforting, especially during lunch or rainy days. Bowls are served with rice, and the best bite is when the hot, tangy broth soaks into the rice, pairing perfectly with the bangus’s rich, tender meat. On the nutrition front, sinigang na bangus is relatively balanced: for every 100g, you get about 110 kcal, with 11g protein and 5g fat—the latter mainly from the fish’s skin and belly. The fiber at 2g per 100g comes from the veggies, which means the dish isn’t just filling, it’s also satisfying for those wanting a lighter, but still flavorful lunch. Since the bangus adds a bit of healthy fat, you can ask the tindera to serve extra gulay if you want a leaner portion, or go heavier on the fish if you’re looking for a more protein-packed meal. Sinigang’s broth is naturally lower in calories, but rice will up the count quickly, so portion control helps if you’re watching your intake.
How to Make
- 1Boil sampalok and tomatoes in 1.5 liters water for 10–15 minutes, then strain to make sour broth.
- 2Add onion, labanos, talong, and okra to the broth and simmer until veggies are half-cooked.
- 3Gently add bangus pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until fish is just cooked through.
- 4Add kangkong, season with salt or fish sauce, and simmer for 2 more minutes.
- 5Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 110.0 kcal |
| Protein | 11.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.0 g |
| Total Fat | 5.0 g |
| Fiber | 2.0 g |
Cultural Notes
Sinigang na Bangus is a staple Filipino lunch ulam, especially in home kitchens and carinderia. Its sour broth is a classic comfort flavor for many Pinoys.





