Sardinas na Bangus (Milk Fish Spanish Style Sardines)

Want to make your own milkfish sardines and thinks that buying a canned bangus sardines seems a but costly? Now you can make your own bangus sardines at home with very simple equipment and ingredients. The recipe I got here is tastier than the commercial ones the you see on supermarket shelves.

Crafting The Delicious Bangus

If you’re a fan of bangus sardines but find the store-bought varieties a bit heavy on your pocket, why not try making your own at home? Not only is it a cost-effective alternative, but the homemade version is also a tastier treat compared to the ones lining the supermarket shelves.

The Art of Cleaning Bangus: Scales Stay!

Before delving into the steps of creating your delicious milkfish sardines, it’s essential to start with a well-prepared bangus. Begin by cleaning the bangus, ensuring that you do not remove the scales. The scales contribute to the unique texture and flavor of the sardines, providing an authentic touch to your homemade creation.

Preparing Your Pressure Cooker

To kickstart the process, you’ll need to prepare your pressure cooker. Insert a rack into the pressure cooker to ensure even cooking and prevent the fish from sticking to the bottom. This simple step sets the stage for a seamless cooking experience.

Layering the Flavors: A Symphony of Ingredients

Creating the perfect sardinas na bangus is all about layering flavors. Once your pressure cooker is ready, arrange the cleaned bangus in layers, creating a foundation for a delightful fusion of tastes. Now, let’s delve into the array of ingredients that will elevate your homemade sardines:

Soy Sauce: The Umami Elixir

The soy sauce serves as the umami elixir, infusing depth and richness into your bangus. Its savory notes complement the fish, creating a harmonious flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.

Hot Chili Peppers: Igniting the Heat

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, hot chili peppers are the perfect addition. These fiery elements add a kick to your sardines, elevating the overall experience with a subtle, controlled heat.

Brandy or Rum: A Splash of Elegance

Introduce a touch of sophistication with a splash of brandy or rum. This ingredient adds depth and complexity, transforming your homemade creation into a culinary masterpiece.

Sweet Mixed Pickles: Balancing Sweetness

To balance out the savory and spicy components, sweet mixed pickles come into play. Their sweetness enhances the overall taste, creating a well-rounded flavor that appeals to a variety of palates.

Salt: Enhancing the Natural Flavors

Salt is the unsung hero, enhancing the natural flavors of the bangus and other ingredients. It brings out the best in each element, ensuring a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.

Green Olives: A Briny Twist

For a briny twist, incorporate green olives into the mix. These little green gems contribute a unique flavor that complements the fish, adding a layer of complexity to your milkfish.

MSG: The Flavor Enhancer

While optional, MSG can be used as a flavor enhancer to elevate the taste. Use it sparingly to intensify the overall flavor profile.

Olive Oil: A Healthy Drizzle

Drizzle olive oil over the layers to impart a healthy and flavorful touch. This addition not only enhances the taste but also adds a velvety texture to the finished dish.

Bay Leaf: The Fragrant Finish

To conclude this symphony of flavors, add a bay leaf to infuse a fragrant finish. This subtle yet aromatic note ties all the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and delightful dish.

Bringing it to Life: Cooking and Serving

With all the ingredients meticulously layered, cover the pressure cooker and bring it to a boil until a steady stream of steam flows out of the vent. Place the pressure control on the vent and let it cook for an hour. Once done, let it cool before carefully removing the milkfish from the cooker.

Serve your homemade bangus sardines with pride, savoring the fruits of your labor. The rich, layered flavors and the tender, perfectly cooked bangus make this dish a standout in both taste and authenticity.

Crafting your own bangus sardines at home not only allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking but also provides a rewarding culinary experience. Say goodbye to store-bought sardines and embrace the joy of creating a homemade delicacy that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

How to Make Sardinas na Bangus (Milk Fish Sardines)

Sardinas na Bangus is a flavorful and tender Filipino dish featuring milkfish cooked in a rich blend of soy sauce, spices, and aromatic ingredients, creating a homemade alternative to store-bought sardines.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course: Fish Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: bangus sardines, sardinas na bangus

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 260kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

• 1 kilo bangus milk fish
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 4 pcs hot chili peppers
• 3/4 cup brandy or rum
• 1/2 cup sweet mixed pickles
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup green olives
• 1 tsp. MSG vetsin
• 2 cups olive oil
• 1 pc bay leaf laurel leaves

Instructions

How to make Sardinas na Bangus

• Clean bangus but do not remove scales. Put rack into the pressure cooker.
• Arrange bangus in layers the add in the rest of the ingredients.
• Cover. Bring to a boil until steady steam flows out of the vent.
• Place pressure control on vent. Cook for an hour. Let cool.
• Remove bangus from cooker. Serve.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

1. Mastering Bangus Cleaning -The first crucial step in perfecting your sardines is mastering the art of cleaning the fish. While it might be tempting to remove the scales, leaving them intact enhances the texture and flavor of the sardines. Ensure you clean the bangus thoroughly, removing any unwanted parts, and maintain those scales for an authentic and delightful final result.
2. Layering for Flavor Harmony - Creating a symphony of flavors is key to a successful milkfish sardines. When layering the ingredients in the pressure cooker, aim for a harmonious balance. The soy sauce brings umami richness, hot chili peppers add a hint of heat, brandy or rum introduce sophistication, sweet mixed pickles provide sweetness, and green olives contribute a briny twist. Each ingredient plays a vital role, so take your time and layer thoughtfully to achieve a well-rounded and delicious outcome.
3. Patience in Cooking Time - Patience is a virtue when it comes to cooking. Once the pressure cooker is sealed and the cooking process begins, resist the temptation to rush. Let the flavors meld and the fish cook thoroughly by allowing it to simmer for the full hour. This patient approach ensures that the bangus absorbs all the savory goodness from the layered ingredients, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that's well worth the wait.