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Hasa Hasa Fish Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Filipino Dish

By Joy Ann David  •   4 minute read

If you're looking for a simple, delicious dish to add to your recipe collection, hasa hasa fish is a great option. This popular fish is a staple in the Philippines and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a versatile ingredient for any cook. Whether you're an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, hasa hasa fish is an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal.

A fish being marinated in spices and herbs, surrounded by ingredients like garlic, onions, and tomatoes on a wooden cutting board

Preparing the hasa hasa fish is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. You can use a variety of cooking techniques to prepare it, such as frying, stewing, or grilling. The fish has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and spices, making it a great ingredient for experimenting with new recipes.

Key Takeaways

  • Hasa hasa fish is a popular ingredient in the Philippines that can be prepared in a variety of ways.
  • Preparing hasa hasa fish is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort.
  • Hasa hasa fish has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and spices.

Preparing the Hasa-Hasa

A fish being cleaned and seasoned with herbs and spices on a cutting board

Cleaning and Prepping

Before cooking Hasa-Hasa, it is essential to clean and prep the fish properly. First, rinse the fish under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a sharp knife to remove the scales by scraping against the grain. Be sure to remove the scales thoroughly, or they may get stuck in your teeth while eating.

Next, cut off the head and tail of the fish. Then, make a shallow cut along the belly of the fish and remove the entrails. Rinse the fish again under cold running water to remove any remaining blood or guts. Pat the fish dry with paper towels.

Marinating the Fish

Marinating the Hasa-Hasa fish is an essential step to add flavor to the dish. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, turmeric, garlic, and vinegar to make a marinade. Rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure to coat it evenly. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

Alternatively, you can also use other marinades such as soy sauce, calamansi, and ginger to add more flavor to the fish. You can also stuff the fish with herbs, such as lemongrass and ginger, to add more aroma to the dish.

Cooking Techniques

A fish being seasoned and grilled on a hot pan

Pan-Frying the Hasa-Hasa

To start with, you will need to pan-fry the Hasa-Hasa fish. Heat up some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Make sure that the oil is hot before adding the fish. You can add some salt and pepper to the fish before frying to enhance the flavor. Fry the fish until it is golden brown on both sides, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Creating the Sauce

The sauce is what gives this dish its unique flavor. To create the sauce, heat up some oil in a pot over medium heat. Add some chopped onions, ginger, and tomatoes, and sauté them until they are soft and fragrant. Next, add some fish sauce, sugar, chili, and peppercorn to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Simmering the Dish

Once the sauce is ready, it's time to add the fried Hasa-Hasa fish. Place the fish in the pot with the sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will allow the fish to absorb the flavors of the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some water to thin it out. Once the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, the dish is ready to be served.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fish swimming in a clear, bubbling stream, surrounded by vibrant aquatic plants and sunlight filtering through the water

What's the traditional way to prepare Hasa Hasa fish in India?

In India, Hasa Hasa fish is usually prepared by marinating it in a mixture of spices and yogurt and then grilling or frying it. The dish is often served with rice or bread.

Could you suggest a Pinoy-style recipe for cooking Hasa Hasa?

One Pinoy-style recipe for cooking Hasa Hasa is Sinanglay na Hasa-Hasa, which involves stewing the fish with native pechay, turmeric, ginger, and red tomatoes.

Another popular Filipino recipe is Hasa-Hasa sa Luyang Dilaw, which is made by frying the fish and then cooking it in a mixture of turmeric, onion, Mama Sita's Young Coconut Vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

What is Hasa Hasa fish called in English?

Hasa Hasa fish is commonly known as Mackerel in English.

How do you make Kinamatisang Hasa-Hasa?

To make Kinamatisang Hasa-Hasa, you need to sauté garlic and onion in oil until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook until soft. Add water, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Add the fish and cook until done. Serve hot with rice.

What's the technique for cooking Pinangat na Isda with vinegar?

To cook Pinangat na Isda with vinegar, you need to mix vinegar, water, salt, and pepper in a pot. Add the fish and cook until done. Serve hot with rice.

What's a good recipe for Pinangat na Isda using calamansi?

A good recipe for Pinangat na Isda using calamansi involves mixing calamansi juice, water, salt, and pepper in a pot. Add the fish and cook until done. Serve hot with rice.

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