Sauteed Fish Sinigang with Miso and Garlic
A bright and savory Filipino sour fish soup with a miso twist, featuring sautéed garlic and onions and lightly fried fish for extra depth. This filipino-inspired filipino ready in about 35 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, medium (150 grams), sliced onion, medium (200 grams), quartered tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 500 grams, cut into serving pieces fish fillets (milkfish or tilapia)
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium (150 grams), sliced onion
- 2 medium (200 grams), quartered tomato
- 2 liters water
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1 piece, whole green chili
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry 500 grams fish fillets for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pan, sauté 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium sliced onion (150 grams) for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add 2 quartered tomatoes (200 grams) and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 liters water and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons tamarind paste and 1 whole green chili, simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons miso paste until dissolved. Gently add fried fish back into the soup and simmer for 5 more minutes until fish is cooked through. Season with 2 tablespoons fish sauce to taste before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sauteed Fish Sinigang with Miso and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sauteed Fish Sinigang with Miso and Garlic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sauteed Fish Sinigang with Miso and Garlic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sauteed Fish Sinigang with Miso and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sauteed Fish Sinigang with Miso and Garlic?
Filipino filipino like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family couldn't get enough of this! The fish was so tender and the broth was flavorful. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
Loved the twist with miso. The garlic was perfect. Easy to make and delicious.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit with my kids! The miso added a wonderful depth to the sinigang. Made it for dinner and they asked for seconds.