Are you craving authentic Filipino flavors? Look no further! This blog post shares a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for a classic Filipino fish dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Lutong Pinoy, meaning "Filipino cooking," is all about simple, fresh ingredients combined to create unforgettable meals. This recipe is a testament to that philosophy, showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine in a way that's both approachable and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to experience the vibrant tastes of the Philippines in your own kitchen!
Ginataang Isda: Creamy Coconut Milk Fish
This Ginataang Isda recipe is a staple in many Filipino homes. The rich coconut milk broth, perfectly balanced with savory spices and the tender flakes of fish, makes this a truly comforting and healthy meal. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets (e.g., snapper, cod, or milkfish), cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup long green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup shrimp paste (bagoong alamang), optional for a deeper savory flavor
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color and flavor)
- 2-3 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Sauté Aromatics: Heat cooking oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes. If using shrimp paste, add it now and sauté for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
-
Add Fish and Spices: Add the fish fillets to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Stir in the turmeric powder (if using), black pepper, fish sauce, and soy sauce.
-
Simmer in Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
-
Add Vegetables: Add the bell pepper and green beans. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
-
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Stir in the chilies during the last minute of cooking. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice. This makes a perfect quick dinner idea.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use thicker coconut milk.
- Don't overcook the fish, as it will become dry.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like kangkong (water spinach) or eggplant.
- If you don't have shrimp paste, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of anchovy paste.
Variations:
- Spicy Ginataang Isda: Add more chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
- Ginataang Isda with Tomatoes: Add 1-2 chopped tomatoes along with the bell peppers and green beans.
- Ginataang Isda with Pineapple: A sweet and savory twist! Add 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of fish and ingredients used. However, a serving generally provides a good source of protein, healthy fats from coconut milk, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
This delicious and healthy Ginataang Isda recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy this taste of the Philippines! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out – we love hearing from our readers!