Bangus Tocino

Introduction to Bangus Tocino: A Filipino Breakfast Delight

This known pleasure is a spin on the typical Filipino dish Bangus Tocino making it possible (and delicious) to be in love all year-round! This is the perfect recipe for those who want to indulge in tocino without the pork fat. Even if you’ve never tried Filipino food before or are a seasoned chef, this dish will become one of those favorites you need to always keep in your kitchen.

Why Choose Bangus for Your Tocino?

Bangus, or milkfish, is the national fish of the Philippines, celebrated for its tender and flavorful meat. Unlike other fish, bangus is known for its richness in omega-3 fatty acids and its distinct taste, making it an excellent choice for tocino. The mild flavor of bangus perfectly complements the sweet and tangy marinade, resulting in a dish that is both healthy and delicious.

Health Benefits of Bangus Tocino

Improved Nutrition Profile: Bangus Tocino offers superior nutritional values. Bangus is almost a complete protein, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and other necessary vitamins and minerals. This tocino version, made from fish instead of pork, has lower fat and calories, making it a heart-healthy alternative. The marinade also includes natural ingredients like pineapple juice and garlic, enhancing the dish’s health quotient even more.

Bangus Tocino

Recipe by OrionAdvertisingLLCCourse: Main CourseCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Bangus Tocino is a tasty go-to Filipino dish that gives an oily, sweet, and salty tocino something new by using milkfish as the healthier option. This version, marinated in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic, is pan-fried until crisp around the edges it’s even delicious for breakfast.

Ingredients

• 2 whole bangus (milkfish), cleaned, boned, and butterflied

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup vinegar

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Red food coloring (optional, for traditional tocino color)

Directions

• Prepare the Marinade:
• In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Mix until the sugar and salt are dissolved. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve the traditional tocino color.
• Marinate the Bangus:
• Place the cleaned and boned bangus in a large container or ziplock bag.
• Pour the marinade over the bangus, ensuring that it is fully submerged.
• Cover the container or seal the bag, then refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
• Cook the Bangus Tocino:
• Remove the marinated bangus from the marinade and let it drain.
• In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
• Fry the bangus pieces skin side down first until the skin becomes crispy and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
• Flip the bangus and cook the other side until the fish is cooked through and slightly caramelized, about another 3-4 minutes.
• Serve:
• Serve the Bangus Tocino hot with steamed rice and a side of atchara (pickled papaya) for a traditional Filipino meal.

Notes

• Marinating Time: You can just add and cook it, but for better taste, marinate bangus overnight or at least 4 hours. It helps the fish fully soak in the sweet and sour marinade, making the final dish more flavorful.
• Cooking Time: If you’re frying the bangus, use medium heat so as not to burn the sugar from your marinade. This guarantees that they finish with the perfect caramelization and a crunchy surface without any bitterness.

The Importance of Marinade in Bangus Tocino

The marinade is the core of any tocino dish. The pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar in this Bangus Tocino recipe give enough sweetness yet still a bit of tanginess to it. Pineapple juice serves to sweeten the bangus and is also a natural tenderizer, while brown sugar caramelizes in cooking, making it well-glazed. Allowing the fish to mingle with those flavors overnight means every little bite is packed with flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Bangus Tocino

Bangus Tocino might look like a complicated recipe to prepare, but it is easy peasy. It all comes down to how you prepare and marinate this! Start by gathering all you need and making sure the bangus is clean inside out and deboned. The remaining parts below will take you through the process from start to finish, so you get that perfectly flavorful, fuss-free Bangus Tocino every time!

Tips for Perfectly Marinated Bangus Tocino

Perfect marinade should have a balance. The following are a few reminders for that perfect Bangus Tocino:

• Fresh pineapple juice is the best way to achieve real sweetness.
• Feel free to adjust the sugar according to how sweet you want it.
• Do not omit the red food coloring to achieve a more traditional tocino color.
• Leave the bangus in the marinade for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to get all those flavors.

Cooking Techniques for a Crispy and Caramelized Finish

It is important to be careful during the cooking process so you can get that nice crispy and caramelized yet tender texture. Make sure to use a non-stick pan so the fish will not get stuck, and fry bangus skin side down first. This renders the fat and crisps up the skin while causing the sugar in your marinade to caramelize gorgeously. Just take your time and don’t flip the fish until that crust has formed well.

Serving Suggestions for Bangus Tocino

It goes best with steamed rice to soak up all the sweet and savory sauce. Then serve it with atchara, a pickled green papaya salad that perfectly cuts through the fishiness of the milkfish. If you are feeling more Filipino, serve your Bangus Tocino with a fried egg and warm coffee for breakfast.

Variations to Try: Experimenting with Flavors

This recipe is quite close to the original tocino flavor, but feel free to adjust your Bangus Tocino in many ways. If you want to make it your own, try a sprinkle of fried garlic or maybe some calamansi juice for something tangy (or perhaps chili flakes if spice is your life). You could also play around with different sugars, especially ones with more flavor like muscovado.

The Cultural Significance of Tocino in Filipino Cuisine

This recipe is quite close to the original tocino flavor, but feel free to adjust your Bangus Tocino in many ways. If you want to make it your own, try a sprinkle of fried garlic or maybe some calamansi juice for something tangy (or perhaps chili flakes if spice is your life). You could also play around with different sugars, especially ones with more flavor like muscovado.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bangus Tocino

Q1: Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other types of fish, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ. Bangus is preferred for its richness and ability to absorb the marinade well.

Q2: How long can I store marinated Bangus Tocino?
A: You can store the marinated fish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to a month.

Q3: Is it necessary to add food coloring?
A: Food coloring is optional and primarily used to give the tocino its traditional red hue. The flavor remains the same without it.

Q4: What can I use as a substitute for pineapple juice?
A: If you’re out of pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or a mix of apple juice and lemon juice as a substitute.

Q5: Can I bake the Bangus Tocino instead of frying?
A: Yes, you can bake the Bangus Tocino at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. This method is a healthier alternative to frying.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Flavors of Bangus Tocino

Bangus Tocino is a delightful dish that brings together the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines with a modern twist. Its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, combined with the tender texture of milkfish, makes it a must-try for anyone looking to explore Filipino cuisine. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.