Savory Spicy Tongkol Sardines: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Practical Sardines with Tongkol: A Flavorful Delight

This practical sardine recipe featuring tongkol (skipjack tuna) offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a savory dish ready to serve in no time. Perfect for both family dinners and gatherings, this dish showcases the heartiness of fish infused with aromatic spices. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable recipe!

Ingredients

• 3 packets of tongkol fish (already pre-packaged in smaller portions)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (smashed to release flavor)
• 2 leaves of bay leaves
• 1 piece of ginger (crushed)
• 5 shallots
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 small onion (sliced finely)
• 8 bird’s eye chilies (optional, for added spice)
• 4 curly chilies
• 1 small tomato
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Royco seasoning (optional, for enhanced flavor)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by carefully cleaning the tongkol fish. Handle them gently to avoid breaking the pieces apart. Once cleaned, set aside.

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2. Fry the Fish: Heat a pan with a bit of oil and fry the cleaned fish until it is half-cooked. This step ensures that the fish retains some texture and won’t fall apart later in the cooking process.

3. Blend the Spices: In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, curly chilies, and tomato. Blend or grind until you achieve a smooth paste that captures all the vibrant flavors.

4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan used for frying the fish, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the blended spices. Once the spices are fragrant, add the smashed lemongrass, bay leaves, crushed ginger, and sliced onion. Stir well to combine.

5. Add Seasoning: Once the mixture is aromatic, add a splash of water to help deglaze the pan. Season with salt, sugar, and Royco seasoning (if using). Allow this to simmer until the flavors meld together.

6. Combine with Fish: When the sauce begins to bubble and is well-seasoned, gently add the fried tongkol fish to the pan. Stir carefully to coat the fish with the aromatic sauce. Continue to cook until the sauce reduces slightly and the flavors penetrate the fish.

7. Final Touches: Once the sauce has thickened and the fish is infused with the spices, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. Serve: Your practical sardines with tongkol are now ready to be served! Pair this dish with steamed rice for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy your culinary creation, and happy cooking! 😊

Cooking Tips

• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the number of chilies according to your spice preference. The optional bird’s eye chilies add an extra kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
• Flavor Enhancements: If you prefer a richer taste, consider adding a splash of coconut milk during cooking for added creaminess.
• Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions make for a beautiful garnish and enhance the presentation of your dish.

This recipe not only highlights the simplicity of cooking with readily available ingredients but also emphasizes the joy of preparing a meal that can bring family and friends together. Enjoy your delicious sardines with tongkol!