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Pesang Dalag
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5 from 2 votes

How to Cook Pesang Dalag (Stewed Mudfish)

This recipe is an old time favorite stewed mudfish cooked in broth with vegetables.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Fish Recipes
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: pesang dalag, pesang isda, stewed mudfish
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 120kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 pc large mudfish dalag, sliced
  • 1/4 kilo cabbage cut into big pieces
  • 1/4 kilo petchay cut into halves
  • 1 Tbsp. whole peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp. ginger strips
  • 4 cups rice water water from rice washing
  • 1 Tbsp. monosodium glutamate vetsin
  • 1 medium sized native onion quartered ( red onion )
  • salt to taste

Ingredients for miso sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soybean paste miso
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tbsp. fish sauce or patis
  • 1/2 cup water cooking oil for sauteing

Instructions

How to cook Pesang Dalag

  • Boil rice water. Add ginger, peppercorn, onion and season with salt and vetsin.
  • After 3 minutes, add fish and cover.
  • Cook for another 3 minutes because fish cooks faster than meat so less time is needed.
  • Then add the cabbage and petsay. Continue cooking until vegetables are half cooked.
  • Then serve with miso sauce.

How to make miso sauce:

  • Saute garlic in oil until brown. Add onion and tomatoes.
  • Saute for 3 minutes, then add miso. Season with patis and vetsin.
  • After another 3 minutes, add water. Cook until sauce thickens.

Notes

Cooking Tips of Pesang Dalag Recipe:

1. Choosing Fresh Mudfish
Selecting fresh mudfish is crucial for a flavorful Pesang Dalag. Look for fish with clear, bright eyes, firm flesh, and a mild smell of the sea. Avoid fish with dull eyes, discolored flesh, or a strong fishy odor, as these indicate poor quality.
2. Properly Cleaning Mudfish
Cleaning mudfish can be challenging due to their slimy secretion. To effectively remove this secretion and the fishy odor, scrape the fish thoroughly with a knife or spoon. Rinse the fish under cold water several times, ensuring all residue is removed before cooking.
3. Enhancing the Flavor
To enhance the flavor of Pesang Dalag, consider adding a bay leaf or two during the cooking process. Bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the fish and vegetables. Additionally, using homemade rice water instead of plain water can add depth and richness to the stew.