Paksiw na Isda (Filipino Vinegar-Stewed Fish)
Paksiw na isda is a Filipino fish dish cooked by simmering fish in vinegar, garlic, ginger, onions, and peppercorns. It often includes vegetables such as eggplant, bitter melon (ampalaya), or okra, with green chilies for extra flavor.“Paksiw” refers to the vinegar-based cooking method, which gives the dish its signature tangy, savory taste and helps preserve the fish. It is commonly served with steamed rice. Popular fish choices include bangus (milkfish), tilapia, galunggong, and tulingan.
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Ingredients
Fish
- 2 pounds whole fish or fish steaks, cleaned, milkfish, tilapia, mackerel, or pompano
- ¾ cup white vinegar or cane vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 small onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 inch fresh ginger thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce optional
- 1 small eggplant sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup okra trimmed, optional
- 2 long green chilies left whole
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Arrange the ingredients: Place the onion, garlic, and ginger in the bottom of a wide pot. Lay the fish on top, then add the peppercorns, salt, fish sauce, eggplant, okra, and chilies.
- Add the liquid: Pour in the vinegar and water. Do not stir.
- Bring to a boil: Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it boil uncovered for about 2 minutes without stirring so the sharp vinegar taste can mellow.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Gently spoon the cooking liquid over the fish once or twice.
- Check for doneness: The fish should flake easily and reach 145°F in the thickest part. Taste the broth and add salt or fish sauce if needed.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice, spooning the tangy broth and vegetables over the fish.
For a stronger sour flavor, use up to 1 cup vinegar; for a milder dish, add another ¼ cup water.
Disclaimer
Some parts or all of recipe maybe AI-generated. Recipe pictures are examples of recipe and represent no affiliation with photographer.
Nutrition
Calories: 286kcal (14%)Carbohydrates: 14g (5%)Protein: 48g (96%)Fat: 4g (6%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 113mg (38%)Sodium: 1136mg (49%)Potassium: 1095mg (31%)Fiber: 6g (25%)Sugar: 6g (7%)Vitamin A: 213IU (4%)Vitamin C: 13mg (16%)Calcium: 74mg (7%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Disclaimer
Nutritional information for this recipe is an approximation and is not to be construed as medical advice.
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