Daing na Bangus (Milkfish)
Ingredients
- 1 350 g pack frozen unmarinated baby bangus thawed
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 garlic cloves finely chopped
- Crushed hot pepper flakes optional**
- Cooking oil for frying
Here's How:
- In a small bowl, combine vinegar, salt, pepper and chopped garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Place the thawed bangus (skin side up) in a long 9x13 glass pyrex pan (non-reactive) and pour the vinegar mixture over it, making sure to coat the fish well. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Place about 1/2 inch cooking oil in the frying pan. Turn the heat to medium until oil is hot enough for frying. Test the heat by placing a wooden chopstick/back of a wooden spoon in the oil. If it bubbles around the wood, it’s ready. Cook the fish for 6-10 minutes (depending on the size) flipping halfway or until each side is golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve with atchara (pickled green papaya) or any dipping sauce of your choice. Best served with any vegetable dish like Pinakbet.
Notes
*Frozen unmarinated bangus can be found in Asian stores. They’re sold butterflied, deboned (or not) and in packs of 3 for baby bangus or just one big piece. Make sure you get one that is from the Philippines, it tastes way better than the others.
**Add 1/2 to a teaspoon of hot pepper flakes to the marinade to make it spicy.