If you’re craving for a taste of the Mediterranean, specifically Spanish cuisine, but don’t have a pressure cooker, don’t worry! You can still enjoy the flavors of Spain with this simple recipe for Spanish style bangus.
Bangus, also known as milkfish, is a popular fish in the Philippines. It has a tender and succulent meat that is perfect for cooking in various styles. Spanish style bangus is a delicious combination of flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
To start off, you’ll need fresh bangus fillets. Make sure to clean and pat dry the fish before marinating. For the marinade, you’ll need a combination of vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and spices such as paprika, cumin, and oregano. This mixture will give the bangus a rich and tangy flavor.
Next, marinate the bangus fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the flavors to seep into the fish, making it more flavorful. After marinating, you can either grill the bangus fillets or fry them in a pan with a little oil. Both methods will result in deliciously cooked Spanish style bangus.
Serve the Spanish style bangus with steamed rice and some sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors from the marinade and the tenderness of the bangus will surely transport you to the streets of Spain. Enjoy this dish with your family and friends, and let them marvel at your cooking skills!
How to Prepare Spanish Style Bangus Without Pressure Cooker
Spanish Style Bangus is a popular Filipino dish that features milkfish cooked in a tangy tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Traditionally, this dish is cooked using a pressure cooker to tenderize the fish quickly. However, if you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can still enjoy this delicious dish by following these simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole bangus (milkfish), cleaned and sliced into serving portions
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season the bangus slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
- Cook the bangus for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned.
- Remove the bangus from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, pour in the tomato sauce, water, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Stir the sauce well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return the bangus to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fish.
- Cover the pan and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and tender.
- Serve the Spanish Style Bangus hot with steamed rice.
This recipe is a great alternative to the traditional pressure cooker method. The bangus cooks slowly in the flavourful tomato sauce, ensuring a delicious and tender result. Give it a try and enjoy this classic Filipino dish without the need for a pressure cooker!
Choosing the Best Ingredients
When it comes to cooking Spanish style bangus without a pressure cooker, choosing the best ingredients is crucial to achieving that authentic flavor. Here are some tips on how to select the finest ingredients for this dish:
1. Fresh Bangus: Look for fresh bangus, also known as milkfish, at your local fish market or grocery store. Make sure to choose a fish that has clear, bright eyes, firm flesh, and a mild, ocean-like aroma.
2. Garlic: Garlic is a key ingredient in Spanish cuisine and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. Look for plump, firm bulbs of garlic with tight skin.
3. Onions: Onions provide a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Choose onions that are firm, with dry outer skins and no soft spots.
4. Tomatoes: Tomatoes add a burst of freshness to the dish. Look for ripe tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch.
5. Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add a vibrant color and a hint of sweetness to the dish. Choose peppers that are firm, glossy, and free from blemishes.
6. Olive Oil: Olive oil is a staple in Spanish cooking and adds a distinct flavor to the dish. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best quality.
7. Paprika: Paprika is a spice commonly used in Spanish cuisine and adds a smoky flavor and a vibrant red color. Look for high-quality paprika for the best results.
By selecting the best ingredients, you can ensure that your Spanish style bangus dish will be bursting with authentic flavors and textures.
Marinating the Bangus
Marinating the bangus is an important step in bringing out its delicious Spanish flavors. Follow these steps to properly marinate the bangus:
- Prepare the bangus by cleaning it thoroughly, removing the scales, guts, and gills.
- Make deep diagonal cuts on both sides of the bangus. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the fish better.
- In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, calamansi juice, vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Place the bangus in a container or a plastic bag, then pour the marinade over the fish. Make sure the bangus is completely covered in the marinade.
- Cover the container or seal the plastic bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Marinating the bangus will infuse it with the flavors of the soy sauce, calamansi juice, and other spices. This will help tenderize the fish and make it more flavorful when cooked. Take the time to properly marinate the bangus to ensure a delicious Spanish-style dish.
Preparing the Sauce
To complete the Spanish-style bangus dish, you will need to prepare a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the fish. Follow these steps to prepare the sauce:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan, and sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper and green bell pepper to the pan, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the tomato sauce, water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to develop.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and remove the sauce from heat.
Once the sauce is ready, you can pour it over the cooked Spanish-style bangus to enhance its flavors. The combination of the tender fish and the rich tomato-based sauce will surely please your taste buds!
Cooking the Bangus
Once you have prepared the ingredients and marinated the bangus, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to cook Spanish style bangus without a pressure cooker:
Step 1: Sear the Bangus
Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and wait for it to get hot. Place the marinated bangus in the pan and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. This step will help lock in the flavors and give the fish a nice, crispy texture.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Saute them until they become translucent and fragrant. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Bell Peppers
Next, add the sliced tomatoes and bell peppers to the pan. Saute them for a few minutes until they soften a bit. These vegetables will add a delicious tangy and sweet flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Simmer with Vinegar and Spices
Add the white vinegar, soy sauce, dried bay leaf, and whole peppercorns to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and infuse into the bangus.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the bangus is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with chopped spring onions and parsley for added freshness and aroma. Serve the Spanish style bangus hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy the delicious flavors of Spanish style bangus that you’ve cooked without a pressure cooker! Share this dish with your loved ones and immerse yourself in the rich, savory taste of Filipino cuisine.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your Spanish Style Bangus is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this tasty dish. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your meal:
Serving Suggestions
1. Spanish Style Bangus can be served with steamed rice or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
2. Add a squeeze of calamansi, a Filipino lime, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
3. Garnish your meal with fresh cilantro or chopped spring onions for an added burst of freshness.
Enjoying the Dish
1. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma of the Spanish style marinade as you serve the dish.
2. The flaky and tender bangus fish should melt in your mouth with every bite.
3. The combination of tangy and savory flavors will excite your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
4. Don’t forget to savor the crispy skin, which adds a delightful texture to the dish.
Now that you know how to cook Spanish Style Bangus without a pressure cooker, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and authentic Filipino dish. So go ahead, serve and enjoy this culinary delight!
FAQ
What is Bangus?
Bangus is a type of fish known as milkfish in English. It is a popular fish in the Philippines and is often used in various Filipino dishes.
Can I cook Spanish-style Bangus without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook Spanish-style Bangus without a pressure cooker. You can use a regular pot or a slow cooker to achieve similar results.
What ingredients do I need to cook Spanish-style Bangus?
To cook Spanish-style Bangus, you will need the following ingredients: Bangus (milkfish), onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, and cooking oil.
What is the cooking process for Spanish-style Bangus?
The cooking process for Spanish-style Bangus involves marinating the fish in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper. Then, it is fried until golden brown and set aside. In the same pan, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers are sautéed. The fish is then added back to the pan along with water, bay leaves, peppercorns, and fish sauce. This is simmered until the fish is cooked and the sauce thickens.
How long does it take to cook Spanish-style Bangus?
The cooking time for Spanish-style Bangus may vary, but it usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook. It depends on the size of the fish and the desired level of tenderness.