Healthy Fish Singgang

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Singgang is a type of Malay soup made with galangal, tamarind peel and garlic. The soup is clear and it should be cooked by using fresh fish to obtain an optimum fish flavor. Usually mackerel and tuna are used to make this soup. There are many versions of Fish Singgang recipe, some uses onion in it and some add turmeric. In this entry I will share the basic clear Fish Singgang recipe. 

Singgang dish is best served on the next day when the taste from all ingredients are well mixed and released into the soup. This soup is recommended for those who are pursuing a healthy life style. The omega-3 fatty acid in the fish is good for health, plus garlic and galangal are well known for its health benefits. Plus, chili contains vitamins and tamarind peel is said to be good for treating high blood pressure. This dish use fresh ingredients and bring out the fresh taste of it.

If you have not eaten Fish Singgang yet, you may wonder how does it taste. It is a clear fish soup with the combination of sour, salty, spicy and a hint of sweetness. The sour taste comes from the tamarind peel. I think lime juice is a great substitute for tamarind peel. And the salty taste comes from fish sauce and salt, and it is accompanied by the spicy chili flavor and sweetness from palm sugar. The basic taste of the soup came from the garlic and galangal. And the fish itself. By using Spanish Mackarel or Tuna and simmering it slowly, the fish will release its 'fishy and fatty' taste into the soup. This makes the soup delicious. The recipe does look simple to cook, but the right cooking technique must be applied in order to produce a delicious and nutritious Fish Singgang. 
Clear but flavorful soup

Singgang Ikan

Ready in 30 minutes
For 3 servings

Ingredients
  • 1 medium size tuna or mackerel (cleaned and cut to desired size)
  • 1 bulb garlic
  • 2 inches galangal
  • 7 bird eye chili or chili de arbol (crushed)
  • 3 green chili (optional or as substitute for bird eye chili or chili de arbol) 
  • 5 tamarind peels (I think it can be substituted with lime juice or lemon juice but it ill give a slightly different flavor)
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (optional to enhance flavor)
  • 1 palm sugar
  • 4 to cups water
  • Salt to taste
Tamarind Peel

Method
  • Peel garlic and galangal and crush it. You can also slice it but crushing it give stronger taste. 
  • Boil the water in the pot. Add in all ingredients. 
  • Simmer until the fish is cooked or about 15 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat. Set aside for about 2 hours before serving. 
  • Best served in the next day. 


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