Salmon Sarciado: A Delicious and Healthy Filipino Recipe
Salmon Sarciado is a delightful and easy-to-make Filipino dish that combines the richness of salmon with the tangy and savory flavors of sarciado sauce. Sarciado, derived from the Spanish word “salsa,” typically involves a tomato-based sauce cooked with onions, garlic, and often bell peppers. This recipe offers a healthy twist on traditional Filipino cuisine by using salmon, a fish known for its omega-3 fatty acids and other nutritional benefits.
This blog post will guide you through the steps of creating a flavorful and satisfying Salmon Sarciado. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Filipino flavors!
## Why You’ll Love This Salmon Sarciado Recipe
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. This recipe is a great way to incorporate healthy fats and nutrients into your diet.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The sarciado sauce provides a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that complement the rich taste of salmon.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables or adjusting the level of spiciness.
* **Filipino Comfort Food:** Salmon Sarciado offers a taste of home and provides a comforting and satisfying meal that Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike can enjoy.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list:
* **Salmon Fillets:** 4 (about 6-8 ounces each), skin on or off, your preference.
* **Tomatoes:** 3-4 medium-sized, ripe tomatoes, diced.
* **Onion:** 1 medium-sized, diced.
* **Garlic:** 4-5 cloves, minced.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 (any color), diced. Red bell pepper adds sweetness, green bell pepper adds a slightly bitter note, and yellow or orange bell peppers bring a mild, fruity flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** 2-3 tablespoons. This adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* **Tomato Paste:** 1 tablespoon. This enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
* **Fish Sauce (Patis):** 1 teaspoon (optional). This adds a distinct umami flavor that is common in Filipino cuisine. Use sparingly, as it can be quite salty.
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon (optional). Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Ground Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a bit of spice.
* **Cooking Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for sautéing. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil works well.
* **Water:** 1/2 cup. Used to simmer the sauce.
* **Green Onions (Scallions):** 2-3 stalks, chopped, for garnish (optional).
* **Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional).
* **Lemon or Calamansi Wedges:** For serving (optional).
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Salmon Sarciado
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started with the cooking process. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect Salmon Sarciado.
### Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
* **Pat Dry:** Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure that the salmon sears properly.
* **Season:** Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Be mindful of the salt content, especially if you plan to use fish sauce later.
### Step 2: Sear the Salmon (Optional)
* **Heat the Pan:** Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot before adding the salmon to get a good sear.
* **Sear the Salmon:** Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets) in the hot pan. Sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If using skinless fillets, sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
* **Remove and Set Aside:** Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this stage; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
### Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
* **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
* **Add Garlic:** Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
### Step 4: Build the Sarciado Sauce
* **Add Tomatoes and Bell Pepper:** Add the diced tomatoes and bell pepper to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
* **Add Tomato Paste:** Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to incorporate into the mixture.
* **Add Soy Sauce and Fish Sauce (Optional):** Pour in the soy sauce and fish sauce (if using). Stir well to combine.
* **Add Water and Sugar (Optional):** Add the water and sugar (if using) to the pan. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
* **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or pepper for spice.
### Step 5: Combine Salmon and Sarciado Sauce
* **Return Salmon to the Pan:** Gently place the seared salmon fillets back into the pan with the sarciado sauce.
* **Simmer Together:** Spoon the sauce over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the pan and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
### Step 6: Serve and Garnish
* **Garnish:** Sprinkle the Salmon Sarciado with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro leaves (if using).
* **Serve:** Serve the Salmon Sarciado hot with steamed rice. You can also serve it with lemon or calamansi wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
## Tips and Variations for Perfect Salmon Sarciado
Here are some helpful tips and variations to customize your Salmon Sarciado and make it even more delicious:
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The key to a great Salmon Sarciado is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and vibrant bell peppers will make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Level of Spiciness:** If you like your food spicy, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the sauce. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sarciado sauce, such as potatoes, carrots, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use Different Types of Fish:** While this recipe calls for salmon, you can also use other types of fish, such as tilapia, cod, or snapper. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier version of Salmon Sarciado, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add richness and depth to the flavor.
* **Use Canned Tomatoes:** In a pinch, you can use canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the pan.
* **Add a Touch of Vinegar:** For an extra tangy flavor, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar (such as white vinegar or apple cider vinegar) to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Overcooked salmon can be dry and rubbery. Be sure to cook the salmon just until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Use a thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the sarciado sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook the Salmon Sarciado, simply sear the salmon and add it to the sauce. This is a great option for meal prepping.
## Serving Suggestions
Salmon Sarciado is best served hot with steamed rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce and provides a perfect complement to the rich taste of the salmon. Here are some other serving suggestions:
* **Serve with a Side of Vegetables:** Add a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, to create a well-rounded meal.
* **Serve with a Salad:** A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Salmon Sarciado.
* **Serve with Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is a great accompaniment to Salmon Sarciado, especially if you love dipping it in the sauce.
* **Serve with Fried Plantains (Tostones):** Fried plantains add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the meal.
* **Serve with Pancit:** For a complete Filipino feast, serve Salmon Sarciado with pancit (Filipino noodles).
## Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of Salmon Sarciado (based on the recipe provided):
* **Calories:** 350-450
* **Protein:** 30-40g
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Carbohydrates:** 10-15g
* **Fiber:** 2-3g
* **Sugar:** 3-5g
*Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
Salmon Sarciado is a delicious and healthy Filipino dish that is easy to make and satisfying to eat. With its perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, give it a try and experience the wonderful world of Filipino cuisine! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, Salmon Sarciado is a dish that is guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy your culinary adventure, and happy cooking!