What You’ll Find Here?
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)
You’ll want fresh tilapia for this. Once it’s fried, it turns tender and flaky, just the way you want it. It also soaks up that tomato-based sauce really well, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Salt and Ground Black Pepper
Just a simple sprinkle of these two is enough to bring out the natural taste of the fish. You’ll also use them later to balance the flavor of the sauce. Don’t skip this step — it makes a big difference.
Garlic, Onion, and Tomatoes
These three are your base. Garlic gives the dish that irresistible aroma. Onions add sweetness and body. Tomatoes bring a slightly tangy flavor that really ties everything together. Once they break down into a sauce, you’ll see how rich and tasty it gets.
Egg (beaten)
You’ll stir this into the sauce near the end. It thickens everything slightly and gives it a creamy, comforting texture that clings to the fish and rice. It’s simple but adds so much.
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Give it one final taste before serving. A pinch more salt or pepper might be all it needs to hit that perfect balance.
How To Cook Sarciadong Tilapia
1. Season the Tilapia
Start by rubbing salt and ground black pepper all over the tilapia. This helps bring out its natural flavor. Let it rest for about 10 minutes so the seasoning can soak in.
2. Fry the Tilapia
Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the tilapia until both sides are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes around 4 to 5 minutes per side. When it’s done, transfer the fish to a plate and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic, Onions, and Tomatoes
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant. Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent. Then, add the tomatoes and stir until they break down and become saucy. This will be the flavorful base of your dish.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in a cup of water and let everything simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the flavors from the garlic, onions, and tomatoes blend together.
5. Add the Beaten Egg
While the sauce is gently simmering, slowly pour in the beaten egg while stirring the sauce. This will give you that egg drop texture and make the sauce creamy and comforting. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the egg is fully incorporated.
6. Season the Sauce
Now it’s time to taste your sauce. Add more salt and pepper if needed. If you like it a bit sweet, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar. That part is optional, depending on your taste.
7. Simmer the Fish in the Sauce
Carefully place the fried tilapia back into the pan. Let it simmer in the sauce for about 3 to 5 minutes so it can absorb all the flavors. Once everything’s heated through, serve it hot with rice.
Tips in Cooking Sarciadong Tilapia
Use Fresh Tilapia
If you can, go for fresh tilapia. It really makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Fresh fish gives the dish a cleaner taste and a more tender bite.
Don’t Over-Fry the Fish
Fry the tilapia just until it turns golden and crispy. If you leave it too long, it can dry out. You want the fish to stay moist so it soaks up the sauce better later.
Mash the Tomatoes
While cooking the tomatoes, gently mash them with your spatula as they soften. This helps release more flavor into the pan and gives your sauce a richer, thicker texture.
Pour the Egg Slowly
When you’re adding the beaten egg, do it slowly and stir the sauce as you pour. This way, you get those nice, soft strands of egg instead of big clumps.
Let the Fish Soak in the Sauce
Once you place the fried fish into the sauce, let it simmer for a few minutes. This helps the flavors really sink into the fish, so each bite tastes even better.
Enjoyed this dish?
Try these other fish recipes that are just as tasty and easy to cook:
Sarciadong Tilapia – Crispy fried tilapia simmered in a flavorful tomato and egg sauce.
Daing na Bangus – Marinated milkfish fried until golden and crispy. Perfect with suka and garlic rice.
Paksiw na Bangus – A tangy and savory dish cooked in vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. Comfort food at its finest.
Bangus with Tausi – Milkfish in black bean sauce, giving it that salty-sweet flavor that pairs so well with rice.
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)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
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. If you want a little bit of sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional).
- Carefully place the fried tilapia into the sauce, simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
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