Steaming Bangus: A Simple, Healthy, And Delicious Recipe

Steamed bangus, or milkfish, is a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Bangus is the national fish of the Philippines and is known for its flaky white meat. While it used to be infamous for its many bones, it is now commonly sold boneless, making it more convenient and enjoyable to eat. In this article, we will explore different methods for preparing and cooking steamed bangus, including recipes with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and various vegetables. We will also discuss the benefits of using fresh or frozen bangus and provide tips for a successful steaming process. So, get ready to learn how to cook this tasty and nutritious dish!

How to prepare the fish

Preparing the bangus (milkfish) for steaming is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, if you have purchased frozen bangus, ensure it is defrosted thoroughly before cooking. You can ask your fishmonger to prepare the fish, but if you are doing it yourself, remove the guts and gills, and wash the fish thoroughly. You can choose to keep the scales intact to prevent the fish from sticking to the grill or steaming basket, or you can remove them. If you do remove the scales, you will need to wrap the fish in aluminium foil before steaming or grilling.

Once your fish is prepared, season the bangus belly with salt and pepper, and set it aside. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, onion, and tomato, or a light drizzle of sesame oil. If you want to add stuffing, combine your chosen ingredients—such as tomato, onion, ginger, and lemon—in a bowl, and add ground black pepper and lemon juice. Gently stir the mixture, and then stuff it inside the fish.

Now your bangus is ready to be steamed or grilled! If grilling, heat up your grill to a medium heat and cook the fish for about 10 to 12 minutes on each side, depending on its size. If steaming, place water in a deep casserole, cover, and boil. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat, and place your steamer on top of the casserole. Place the aluminium-wrapped bangus fillets in the steamer, ensuring the water does not touch the steam basket. Steam for 7 to 20 minutes, depending on your recipe.

How to make a sauce/dip

There are many ways to cook steamed bangus, and here are some ideas for sauces and dips to accompany the dish.

A simple dip can be made by combining the juice of half a lemon with 1/4 cup of soy sauce. You can also add chopped Thai chilli to make it spicy. This sauce pairs well with grilled bangus.

If you want a more complex sauce, you can make a garlic herb yoghurt. For this, you will need plain Greek yoghurt, extra virgin olive oil, cilantro, and parsley. Chop the leaves finely and mix them with the yoghurt and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Another option is to make a sauce with light soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Sprinkle the steamed bangus with Kikkoman or another light soy sauce, slivered ginger, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper, and finish with a light drizzle of sesame oil.

If you are looking for a warm sauce, you can try a variation that includes flour. Combine Nestlé All-Purpose Cream and flour in a pan. Season with MAGGI MAGIC SARAP, sugar, and pepper, and cook over low heat until thick.

Finally, if you are looking for a more unique sauce, you can try making a toyomansi dip, which is a popular pairing with steamed bangus.

What to serve it with

Steamed bangus is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments to enhance its flavour. Here are some ideas on what to serve it with:

Rice

A small serving of brown rice, as suggested by Market Manila, would complement the steamed bangus well. The rice will soak up the flavours of the dish, especially if served with the juices from the steaming process. This combination creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

Vegetables

For a healthier option, steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans would be a great addition. The crispness and freshness of the vegetables will balance the richness of the fish. Alternatively, you could serve it with a salad, such as a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Sauce

A dipping sauce made from soy sauce and lemon or calamansi, as suggested by Panlasang Pinoy, would be a perfect accompaniment to steamed bangus. The tangy and savoury sauce will enhance the flavour of the fish. You could also add some spice with chopped Thai chilli peppers.

Stuffing

As bangus is often served stuffed, the stuffing itself can be a side dish. A mixture of ground pork, potatoes, carrots, green peas, and raisins, as suggested by Bitesized.ph, would make a hearty and flavourful addition to the dish. Alternatively, a stuffing made from tomatoes, onions, and ginger, as suggested by Panlasang Pinoy, would add a fresh and tangy element to the meal.

Garnishes

Garnishes such as chopped cilantro or parsley would add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the fish, as suggested by The Home-Schooled Chef, would also brighten up the flavours.

These are just a few ideas on what to serve with steamed bangus. You can mix and match these suggestions or get creative and experiment with your own combinations.

How long to steam it for

The length of time you steam your bangus depends on a few factors, including the size of the fish, the temperature of the steamer, and whether you are cooking boneless bangus belly or a whole medium-sized boneless bangus.

If you are steaming a stuffed bangus belly, it should take around 20 minutes to cook through. For a whole medium-sized boneless bangus, the cooking time is around 15-20 minutes. If you are cooking a whole milkfish fillet, it will take between 7 and 12 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fish and the heat of your steamer. To check if your bangus is cooked, pierce the fish lightly with a small knife—if it flakes easily, it is done.

What to stuff it with

There are several options for what to stuff bangus with when steaming. One option is to stuff it with a mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and raisins. To prepare this filling, start by heating some cooking oil and sautéing garlic, onion, and tomato until they are limp. Next, add the ground pork and season it with MAGGI MAGIC SARAP®. Then, add water, potato, carrots, green peas, and raisins, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the vegetables are crisp and tender, then set aside to cool. Once the filling has cooled, stuff half of it into each bangus belly.

Another option for a stuffing is a mixture of onions, tomatoes, and ginger. This is a simpler option that doesn't require cooking the filling beforehand. Simply chop the onions, tomatoes, and ginger, and stuff the mixture inside the bangus. You can also add some salt to taste.

For a healthier option, you can stuff the bangus with a mixture of Greek yogurt, olive oil, cilantro, and parsley. To prepare this filling, pick the leaves off the cilantro and parsley sprigs and chop them finely. Then, mix them with the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions