Filipino Fish Adobo

Experience the bold and tangy flavors of Filipino cuisine with this authentic Fish Adobo recipe! Featuring whole tilapia, bangus, or mackerel, this dish is simmered in a savory blend of white vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatic spices like garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. The fish is first lightly fried to golden perfection, then gently cooked in the flavorful adobo sauce, which provides a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. With its simple preparation and rich taste, this Filipino classic is best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice to soak up every drop of its delicious sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals, this Fish Adobo combines tradition and comfort in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces whole fish (tilapia, bangus, or mackerel), cleaned and scaled
• 0.333 cup white vinegar
• 0.333 cup soy sauce
• 0.5 cup water
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 pieces bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the cleaned fish with a pinch of salt and set aside for about 5 minutes.

Step 2

In a large skillet or pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the fish for about 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the white vinegar, soy sauce, and water. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6

Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, and sugar. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Carefully return the fried fish to the pan. Spoon some of the sauce over the fish.

Step 8

Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway to ensure it absorbs the sauce evenly.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt or sugar as needed.

Step 10

Once done, transfer the fish to a serving dish and spoon the sauce over. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Step 11

Serve hot with steamed white rice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1079.8 grams (1079.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1185

Total Fat 55.60g	71%
Saturated Fat 9.30g	47%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 360mg	120%
Sodium 4601mg	200%
Total Carbohydrate 28.10g	10%
Dietary Fiber 4.50g	16%
Total Sugars 8.20g
Protein 143.10g	286%

Vitamin D 1200IU	6000%
Calcium 252mg	19%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 2981mg	63%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.2%

Protein: 48.3%

Carbs: 9.5%