Spanish Sardines Recipes with Authentic Filipino Flavors

What are some Spanish sardine recipes with authentic Filipino flavors?

1. Spanish sardines and rice
2. Spanish sardine spread
3. Pancit Canton with Spanish sardines

One can say that sardines are a quintessential part of the Filipino cuisine. Spanish sardines are preferred by many Filipinos for its affordable price and its delicious taste. And while Spanish sardines make a great meal on its own, Filipinos can also use it as an ingredient in their favorite dishes to give it a bolder and more distinct flavor.

Here are some Spanish sardine recipes with authentic Filipino flavors you can make at home:

Spanish Sardines and Rice

Perhaps the only thing Filipinos love more than their rice is combining it with new and exciting ingredients. This recipe is perfect for Pinoy taste buds and can be easily made and eaten at any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 2 small cans of Spanish sardines
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• Rice
• 1 vegetable stock cube
• Water, as needed
• Black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan. Chop the garlic and onion into small pieces and cook it in the oil for five to six minutes or until the garlic is lightly browned and the onions are translucent.
2. Add the sardines to the pan and break it up into smaller pieces while cooking.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan along with a crumbled up stock cube. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water.
4. Prepare the rice while the sardines are simmering on a low heat. Rinse the rice first then add it in a pan with lightly salted boiling water.
5. Cook the sardines and rice for 15 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. Serve the sardines on top of the rice and add black pepper to taste.

Spanish Sardine Spread

Switch up your morning pandesal fillings and enjoy a hearty and satisfying breakfast with this recipe. Spanish sardines make an excellent spread for sandwiches, toasts, and even crackers.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of Spanish sardines, drained and flaked
• 1 can of crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Dice the hard-boiled eggs and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the butter with salt. Add the eggs and the rest of the ingredients.
3. Mix the ingredients well. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours.
4. Serve as a sandwich spread or as toppings for crackers.

 Pancit Canton with Spanish Sardines

Spanish sardines surprisingly make a great addition to the traditional pancit canton. If you’ve grown tired of meat or the usual pancit canton topping, why not try out this simpler and lighter pancit canton recipe.

Ingredients:

• 3 small cans of Spanish sardines, drained
• 500 grams pancit canton noodles
• 15 pieces fish balls
• 2 large carrots sliced into strips
• 1 small head of Chinese cabbage, rinsed, drained, and cut into five to eight-centimeter strips
• 4 minced cloves of garlic
• 1 roughly chopped small onion
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a wok or a wide skillet, heat the oil and fry the fish balls for three to five minutes or until lightly golden. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
2. Saute the garlic and onion until the garlic is lightly browned and the onions are soft. Toss in the carrots and add the chicken broth.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the oyster sauce and the soy sauce.
4. Add the cabbage and sardines and stir well. Cook for two minutes or until the cabbage is soft.
5. Gently add the noodles to the pan and let it soak the liquid. Adding them in three or four batches makes this easier.
6. Toss the noodles, making sure that it is well covered in sauce. Let it cook for 7-12 minutes until the noodles are soft and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
7. Add the fish balls and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Key Takeaway

Spanish sardines, much like Filipinos themselves, are versatile and can adapt well to any given situation. It makes a great addition to any local dish and elevates it to the next level. If you are looking for that something to improve your Pinoy recipe, Spanish sardines might just be what you need!