Sweet and Sour Sardines with Vegetables Recipe
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned mackerel sardines | 1 can |
| Green mustard greens (caisim) | 1 bunch |
| Cabbage | 1/4 head |
| Carrot | 1 whole |
| Red tomato | 1 whole |
| Spring onion and celery | 1 stalk each |
| Small yellow onion (or white onion) | 1 small |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves |
| Whole bird’s eye chilies (optional) | 7 whole |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cooking oil | As needed (for sautéing) |
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fats | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 460 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and quantities used.
Instructions:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the Ingredients | Rinse and slice all the vegetables: cabbage, mustard greens (caisim), carrots, tomatoes, spring onion, and celery. Leave the bird’s eye chilies whole. |
| 2. Sauté the Aromatics | Heat a bit of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. |
| 3. Add Tomatoes and Chilies | Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the whole bird’s eye chilies, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened. |
| 4. Add the Carrots and Sardines | Add the sliced carrots to the pan, stir briefly, then gently pour in the canned mackerel sardines. Stir everything together, adding a bit of water if the mixture seems too dry. Let it simmer until it begins to bubble. |
| 5. Incorporate the Vegetables | Add the cabbage and mustard greens (caisim) to the pan. Stir well to combine. Then add the oyster sauce, sugar, and salt. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant, adjusting the seasoning as needed. |
| 6. Serve and Enjoy | Once the vegetables are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Your sweet and sour sardines are now ready to serve! |
Tips and Notes:
- If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the number of bird’s eye chilies or omit them entirely.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or lime juice.
- Pair this dish with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sweet and sour sauce.
Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Sweet and Sour Sardines with Vegetables—a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory elements, ideal for a quick yet satisfying meal!
