Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Fried Tilapia
There are a great many dishes that could really define Filipino cuisine. After all, we have access to plenty of kinds of ingredients that make it easy for us to experiment in the kitchen. But one of the dishes that really reminds me of home, technically because it feels like two Pinoy food favorites in…
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There are a great many dishes that could really define Filipino cuisine. After all, we have access to plenty of kinds of ingredients that make it easy for us to experiment in the kitchen. But one of the dishes that really reminds me of home, technically because it feels like two Pinoy food favorites in one, is the Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Fried Tilapia.
What does Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Fried Tilapia taste like?
If there is one thing we can probably expect Filipino cooks to do perfectly, it’s frying fish! Because we work with so many different kinds, I think we also have a good grasp of working with this kind of seafood. And so for this recipe, you can expect a delightfully crunchy tilapia
Pairing this with our vegetables mixed in the creamiest coconut-y sauce is very much reminiscent of the local cuisine. That’s because the dish is bursting with color with the likes of squash and string beans, and has a balanced mix of flavors from garlic, onion and Ginataang Gulay Mix. I also advise trying this out when you’re sick because it has a satisfyingly warm stew, alongside some greens. Now dive into cooking up this dish with me!
How to Make Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Fried Tilapia
- Cooking the tilapia:
Preparing the fish – Before anything, we want to make sure that our 3 lbs. of tilapia is good for eating. Go ahead, and wash this thoroughly, and then wait for it to dry. And then you will need 3 tablespoons of salt, which you will rub all over the tilapia, including the cavity.
Frying your tilapia – Get 1 cup of cooking oil, and pour this into your pan. Let this heat up before you add the tilapia you prepared earlier. Fry one side, and then flip the fish over once it becomes crunchy and golden brown in color. Repeat this step for the other side. After this, you can just transfer the cooked tilapia on a serving plate. - Making the Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa: Sautèing garlic and onion – Place 4 cloves of garlic you’ve crushed and chopped, and 1 onion you’ve chopped in a pan. Then just sautè these together.Adding some more vegetables – Toss your 1 lb. of sliced calabaza squash inside. Then stir-fry this for 2 minutes. Now you can proceed to add 12 string beans that are 2 inches in length. Cook the ingredients together for 2 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally as you are cooking this.
Preparing some more seasonings – Start mixing 45 grams of Knorr Ginataang Gulay Mix, and 1 ½ cups of water together. After stirring this well, integrate the mixture into your pan. Put the cover on top of the pan, and then just wait for the liquid to begin boiling. We will continue the cooking process for just 5 to 7 minutes more.
Adding salt and ground black pepper – For these two ingredients, just put as much as you would prefer based on your taste.
- Putting everything together:
Incorporating the fish and rice – Get some freshly cooked rice, as well as the tilapia we fried. Serve this alongside your Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa, and that’s it!
Great job on creating this perfect lunch dish! Want some more healthy, appetizing meals for the family? I’d like to introduce you to a couple other recipes!
What to Serve with Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Fried Tilapia
Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry
Every Filipino must be familiar with at least one great eggplant recipe, starting with Tortang Talong. But you can try this famous ingredient in another way, perhaps with a dish that packs a punch! I love this Spicy Eggplant Stir Fry because it has a nice twist that sets it apart from other vegetable dishes. It has the distinct flavor of sesame oil, as well as Thai chili peppers.
Ginataang Monggo With Tofu And Malunggay
Now should you be in search of a ginataan dish that is vegetarian, this is a recipe I would recommend. Ginataang Monggo with Tofu and Malunggay has a comforting flavor, as well as a great mix of healthy components. We have some malunggay leaves, mung beans and fried tofu in the mix for some added vitamin C, iron, and plenty other vitamins and minerals!
Lumpiang Sariwa (Fresh Spring Rolls)
We also can’t forget about this healthy classic. Lumpiang Sariwa is a favorite among many Pinoy adults because of its distinct salty-sweetness that you can only really get from this special spring roll sauce. I love the crunch that you are also able to get with each bite! This makes for both a small meal, and a fitting merienda dish!
I hope you enjoyed cooking with me! Don’t hesitate to learn about more things you can whip up in the kitchen. Go ahead, and find more recipes here at Panlasang Pinoy!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!
Ginataang Sitaw at Kalabasa with Fried Tilapia
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. tilapia cleaned and scales removed
- 45 grams Knorr Ginataang Gulay Mix
- 1 lb. calabaza squash sliced
- 12 string beans cut in 2-inch length pieces
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic crushed and chopped
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 3 tablespoons salt
Instructions
- Prepare the fish by washing it thoroughly. Let it dry. Rub salt all over it and into the cavity.
- Heat 1 cup cooking oil in a pan. Fry one side of the fish until it gets golden brown and crispy. Turn it over and do the same procedure on the opposite side. Remove from the pan arrange on a serving plate. Set aside.
- Cook the ginataang sitaw by sauteeing garlic and onion in a pan.
- Add the sliced calabaza squash (kalabasa). Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the string beans. Cook while occasionally stirring for 2 minutes.
- Combine Knorr Ginataang Gulay Mix and 1 ½ cups water. Stir and pour it into the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and let the liquid boil. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- You can season with salt and ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve with rice and fried tilapia. Share and enjoy!
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