Pinangat na Pompano in Coconut Cream

Name: Pinangat na Pompano in Coconut Cream
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 whole pompano fish; 1/2 cup calamansi juice; Salt and pepper; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion; 4 cloves garlic; 2 cups coconut cream; 2 cups fresh coconut milk; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 cup chili leaves; 1 thumb-sized ginger; 2 stalks lemongrass; 5 pieces green finger chilies; 2 tomatoes

Savory Filipino Fish Dish with a Creamy Twist

A traditional Filipino dish featuring pompano fish simmered in rich coconut cream, enhanced with a medley of aromatic ingredients.

1 h 10 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pompano Marinade

2 whole pompano fish

cleaned and gutted

1/2 cup calamansi juice

or lemon juice

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Coconut Cream Sauce

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion

chopped

4 cloves garlic

minced

2 cups coconut cream

2 cups fresh coconut milk

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup chili leaves

(dahon ng sili) or spinach

For Flavor & Aroma

1 thumb-sized ginger

sliced

2 stalks lemongrass

pounded

5 pieces green finger chilies

2 tomatoes

quartered

Preparation

Marinating the Pompano Fish

Clean the fish

Clean the pompano thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.

Season the fish

Rub the calamansi juice all over the fish and season with salt and pepper.

Marinate

Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Ingredients

Heat the oil

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté aromatics

Sauté the onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add flavorings

Stir in the ginger, lemongrass, and tomatoes.

Ensure not to boil the coconut cream to keep it from curdling.

Cooking Process

Simmer the Sauce

Combine coconut cream and milk in the pot, then bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Fish

Gently place marinated pompano into the simmering sauce and let it cook through.

Final Touch

Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and chili leaves just before serving.

Adding chili leaves near the end enhances the dish's fresh flavor.

Plating & Serving