Sarciadong Tilapia
Sarciadong Tilapia is a Filipino dish made with fried tilapia fish that is smothered in a tangy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is typically made with tomato, onion, garlic, and vinegar or calamansi juice (a type of citrus fruit).
How to Cook Sarciadong Tilapia: A Delicious Filipino Recipe
Sarciadong Tilapia is a beloved traditional Filipino dish known for its tangy and savory flavors that meld perfectly with the tender, flaky fish. It’s a hearty comfort food that brings the taste of the Philippines right to your dining table. If you’re a Filipino food lover, a home cook looking for a new recipe to tackle, or a seafood enthusiast, join us as we delve into the art of cooking Sarciadong Tilapia.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before we begin, let’s ensure we have everything needed for this mouthwatering recipe:
- 1 large tilapia
- 3 large eggs
- 3 small tomatoes, diced
- 1.5 cups of water
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup of cooking oil for frying
Preparation:
- Start by cleaning the tilapia, making sure to remove any scales and innards. Rinse under cold water.
- Make two shallow cuts on each side of the fish – this will help it cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
- Sprinkle salt all over the tilapia and gently rub it in.
Cooking Process
Frying the Tilapia:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Gently lay the tilapia in the hot oil and fry until each side turns a golden brown, creating a crispy texture.
- Once done, carefully remove the tilapia from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Creating the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the oil, leaving about three tablespoons behind.
- Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Toss in the diced tomatoes and cook them down until they’re soft and bursting with flavor.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until it thickens into a rich sauce.
Finishing the Dish:
- Beat the eggs and slowly drizzle them into the skillet, continuously stirring to create ribbons of cooked egg within the sauce.
- Return the fried tilapia to the skillet, spooning the thick sauce over the fish without fully submerging it.
- Let the fish simmer in the sauce briefly to soak up the flavors.
Variations and Modifications
The beauty of Sarciadong Tilapia is its versatility. You can add a spicy kick with some chopped chili peppers, or if you prefer a more umami flavor, a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce can be added to the tomatoes while cooking.
For those with dietary restrictions, you might substitute the tilapia for another firm white fish. If you’re watching your caloric intake, consider pan-searing the fish with less oil instead of deep frying.
Presentation and Serving
Place the tilapia on a serving platter, ladle the rich, egg-laden sauce on top, and garnish with fresh herbs for a touch of green. Pair Sarciadong Tilapia with steamed rice to complement its flavors and ensure a balanced meal.
This Sarciadong Tilapia recipe is a testament to the delicious simplicity of Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this dish is sure to impress.
We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences. Perhaps you’ll discover a new favorite or even inspire others to explore the wonderful world of Filipino cooking.
Happy cooking!
Sarciadong Tilapia
Ingredients
- 1 large tilapia
- 3 large eggs
- 3 small tomatoes
- 1.5 cups water
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the fish by cleaning it and making two shallow cuts on each side.
- Sprinkle salt and gently rub it all over the fish.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Fry the tilapia fish until it turns golden brown on each side. Once cooked, remove the fish from the skillet and set it aside. Leave about three tablespoons of cooking oil in the skillet.
- Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Then add diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they become softened.
- Add water to the skillet and bring it to a boil while continuously stirring for about 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Crack and beat the eggs, then slowly pour them into the skillet while stirring.
- Return the fried tilapia to the skillet and season it with salt and pepper. Spoon some sauce over the fish until it is partially submerged, being careful not to overcook it!
- Transfer sarciadong tilapia onto a plate, pouring its thick tasty sauce over the top. Serve immediately while hot!
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