Fish, just like chicken, can be cooked in so many ways, and one of my favorites is Sarciadong Tilapia. It’s an easy dish, but it’s packed with flavor. You get the crispy fried tilapia soaking up that savory, slightly tangy sauce made with tomatoes and eggs. I use to do this recipe with bangus (milkfish), too!
The fish stays tender, and the sauce adds this nice, comforting taste that makes you want to keep spooning it over rice. It’s a dish that’s not complicated, yet every bite feels like home. For busy days, it’s one of those meals that’s quick to make but hits the spot every time.
What is Sarciado?
Sarciado is a simple Filipino dish where fried fish is simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce. The word “sarciado” comes from the Spanish word sarsa, which means sauce. The sauce is made with sautéed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and sometimes, a beaten egg mixed in to thicken it up. It’s the kind of dish that makes leftover fried fish exciting again! The best part is how the sauce seeps into the fish, giving it that extra burst of flavor. Sarciado may be easy to make, but it’s packed with that comforting, home-cooked goodness.
Sarciadong Tilapia Ingredients
Tilapia (cleaned and gutted): Fresh tilapia gives the dish its tender, flaky texture after frying. It absorbs the savory tomato sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Salt and Ground Black Pepper: These two seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the fish and the sauce. A simple sprinkle adds just the right balance of savory and a hint of spice.
Garlic, Onion, and Tomatoes: These three create the base of the sauce, adding layers of flavor. The garlic brings out a rich aroma, while the onions and tomatoes provide a sweet and slightly tangy taste.
Egg (beaten): Stirred into the sauce, the beaten egg adds a creamy, rich texture. It thickens the sauce, making it even more comforting and perfect for pairing with rice.
Salt and Pepper, to taste: Adjusting the seasoning at the end ensures that every part of the dish has just the right amount of flavor.
How To Cook Sarciadong Tilapia
Season the Tilapia
First, rub the tilapia with salt and ground black pepper. This will help bring out the flavor of the fish. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to really sink in.
Fry the Tilapia
Now, heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the tilapia until both sides are golden brown and crispy. It usually takes around 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, set the fried tilapia aside on a plate.
Sauté the Garlic, Onions, and Tomatoes
In the same pan, add a bit more oil, then sauté the minced garlic until it smells fragrant. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent. Next, add the sliced tomatoes and cook until they break down and become soft. This creates the base of your savory sauce.
Simmer the Sauce
Pour in a cup of water into the pan and let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps the flavors from the garlic, onions, and tomatoes mix together nicely.
Add the Beaten Egg
While the sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring the sauce. This creates an egg drop effect, giving the sauce a nice, creamy texture. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until the egg is fully mixed in.
Season the Sauce
At this point, you’ll want to taste the sauce. Add more salt and pepper if needed to adjust the seasoning.
Simmer the Fish in the Sauce
Finally, carefully place the fried tilapia into the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes so the fish can soak up all those rich flavors. After that, you’re ready to serve! Enjoy it with some rice.
Tips in Cooking Sarciadong Tilapia
Use fresh tilapia: Fresh fish makes a big difference in taste. It gives the dish a cleaner, more tender texture, so try to get fresh tilapia whenever possible.
Don’t over-fry the fish: Fry the tilapia just until it turns golden brown and crispy. Over-frying can make the fish dry, and you want it to stay moist and tender when simmered in the sauce.
Mash the tomatoes: While cooking the tomatoes, use your spatula to gently mash them as they soften. This helps release more flavor into the sauce and gives it a thicker consistency.
Pour the egg slowly: When adding the beaten egg, pour it slowly and stir the sauce continuously. This creates those nice, soft egg strands without clumping, which blends perfectly into the sauce.
Let the fish soak in the sauce: Once you add the fried tilapia to the sauce, simmer it for a few minutes to let the flavors absorb into the fish. This step is key to making every bite packed with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! Other types of fish like bangus (milkfish) or galunggong (round scad) work well with this recipe too.
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop to keep the fish from getting too soft.
Yes, you can make it without the egg, but the beaten egg adds a nice creamy texture to the sauce. It’s a personal preference, so feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
Definitely! Some people like adding bell peppers, green peas, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Sarciadong Tilapia
Ingredients
- 2 pcs Tilapia (cleaned and gutted)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (for sautéing)
- 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 piece Onion (sliced)
- 3 pcs Tomatoes (sliced)
- 1 cup Water
- 1 piece Egg (beaten)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rub the tilapia with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the tilapia until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, add 2 tbsp of cooking oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the sliced onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the sliced tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Pour in 1 cup of water and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Slowly pour the beaten egg into the pan while stirring to create an egg drop effect. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the egg are fully incorporated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully place the fried tilapia into the sauce, simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
