Sinaing na Isda - mymotherskitchens
Dinner Filipino Lunch Seafoods

Sinaing na Salmon – a tradition with a twist

What is sinaing na isda?

Sinaing na isda is as general as we can get. Translated to Tagalog, it literally means braised fish. But such brief a phrase is enough to elicit good conversation. “Which fish?” one might ask.  this recipe is versatile as any fish would go well with this. Having said that, I suggest chosing meaty fish, like bullet tuna. It is actually the most common, followed by galunggong (scand) which is of tuna variety as well.

Sinaing na galunggong or sinaing na tulingan

Sinaing na tulingan, the original dish, is from Batangas – a province south of Manila and a little less than 2 hours by land or around 100 kms away. Want to do the math? No need, for we could easily conclude that traffic has something to do with why it should take two hours for a 100-km distance! Visiting Batangas is always worth the traffic, err the trip. Just imagine sampling their local rendition of “sinaing na tulingan,” their beautiful beaches, amiable people, and good food –  you will not go wrong.

Sinaing na galunggong (scand) on the other hand, has gained popularity during the last couple of years. You will easily find them packed, either in plastic or glass containers, and sold commercially. One of my favorites is from Lott’s Kitchen. I had tried her sinaing na galunggong more than once and had asked for more. Well, I have that privilege of asking because Lott is a personal friend, though not the reason I so loved her sinaing na galunggong. It really is delish!

Sinaing na isda (I am referring to any type of fish) is done with kamias (balimbi or sorrel tree) as its main souring agent. Kamias is a tropical fruit, which is also considered a vegetable for the souring function it serves. Versions of this dish are wide, ranging from whether the kamias is used fresh or sundried, to cooking them quickly or for close to an hour, if not more. The results will then vary. My friend, Lott, uses fresh kamias, however her sinaing turns out dry, almost crispy. It must be magic, I thought. Trade secret? She cooks them longer over low to medium heat. Some versions would turn out soft, some simply wet, while others leave an amount of broth.

Ingredients for sinaing na isda

Dried kamias

Dried kamias are available in grocery stores and local/wet markets in the Philippines. They might already be available in the US and other parts of the world where my fellow Pinoys reside. I take dried kamias to Saudi Arabia, keep them in covered containers until use. At times when I ran out of sundried kamias. I gently ask a friend who hails from Batangas to donate some for me. Hi, Victor Martinez! Victor is always happy to share his stock of sundried kamias. Anyway, there are secrets in drying kamias as such is a tradition that is passed on from older generations.

Ginger

Julienned ginger provides a little heat in the dish and also rids of the fishy smell if any.

Onions and ripe tomatoes

Sliced onions and tomatoes are optional. Traditional recipes of sinaing na isda do not necessarily have these. In the featured recipe here – the reason I said “tradition with a twist” – the onions and tomatoes  added sauce/juice and a mild sweet taste in the dish which is good to pour over rice when served.

Chili

Another optional ingredient, chili provides more heat to the dish. Alternatively, you can slice chilis and serve them on the side with patis (fish sauce) when serving your sinaing.

How to cook sinaing na isda

Victor, my friend from Batangas, has taken a piece of the province to his apartment in Saudi Arabia where has been working for more than 20 years. Not only does he have an all-year stock of dried kamias, he also uses clay pot from his Batangas. Clay pot, by the way, is one secret of a successfully delicious sinaing na isda, because although you can use any cooking pot or casserole, a clay pot would produce the most eye-rolling sinaing that would keep you coming back for more. From where Victor hails in Batangas, the fish are also wrapped in fresh banana leaves before cooking the sinaing and the result is softer and more aromatic.

I believe one more secret by most is pork fat added to the lineup of ingredients. I do not use this, though. But you are welcome to include it in your version.

Sinaing na isda with a twist – singing na salmon

What I would share with you here is sinaing na salmon. It is more tender than galunggong when done because of the cooking time. As you try different kinds of fish in sinaing, your preference in doneness will be your guide in determining your cooking time. While you would not want salmon to dry, you would love the well-done, wooden-like outcome of galunggong. This recipe is easy, delicious and one you would do more than once, I am sure.

Most sinaing na isda are cooked for at least a couple of hours over low heat. This featured recipe does not have to be the same. Salmon’s natural flavor is best when not overcooked.

If you have looked up other singing na isda recipes, tis one does not does not ask for submerging the fish in water.

How to Store Leftovers

Really, you would have leftovers? Alright, as sinaing na isda has been cooked with a souring agent, leftovers are welcome because their shelf life extends longer than other recipes. Leftover sinaing can be kept in sealed containers in the fridge for days, even up to a month, then reheated before serving. The longer it is kept, the tastier it becomes.

 

Cooking/Serving Tips

  • Kamias cannot be replaced by tamarind in this recipe.
  • Use of salmon in this recipe frees you from dreaded fish bones.
  • Use patis on the side, or vinegar, as dipping sauce – depending on your preference.
  • It is not a bad idea to sprinkle it with freshly ground black pepper.
  • Serve this with green mangoes salad for a more heavenly combination.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sinaing na Salmon

Sinaing na Salmon

  • Author: Magida
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 k. fresh boneless salmon cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 3– inch size ginger julienned
  • 1 medium-size onion cut into slices
  • 15 pcs. dried kamias
  • 2 medium-sized tomatoes
  • 3 whole green chili
  • Salt to taste
  • Patis (optional)

Instructions

  1. Clean fish.
  2. Distribute 1/3 of the dried kamias, ginger, onions, and tomatoes in a regular cooking pot and top them with half the salmon pieces. Repeat once and top them with the last 1/3 of the dried kamias, ginger, onions, and tomatoes.
  3. Add chili peppers, if using.
  4. Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with oil.
  5. Cook covered over medium heat for at least 20 minutes.
  6. Add patis halfway, if using.
  7. Serve over steamed rice or fried white rice.

Notes

Serve over steamed white rice.

Keywords: sinaing, sinaing na isda, sinaing na salmon

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating