Tanigue (Mackerel) Escabecheng Isda: A Sweet and Tangy Filipino Delight
Escabecheng Isda Tanigue (Mackerel Fish) is a classic Filipino dish featuring crispy fried mackerel smothered in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce with colorful vegetables. The fish is first seasoned and fried to golden perfection, then topped with a flavorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, and ginger simmered in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and tomato sauce. The result is a delicious balance of textures with a slightly sticky, glossy glaze—and a medley of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
This dish is a staple in Filipino households, often served at gatherings for its bright colors and bold flavors. The ginger adds warmth, while the vegetables bring freshness, making it a well-rounded dish. Easy yet impressive, Escabecheng tanigue pairs perfectly with steamed rice, soaking up the delicious sauce. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers a satisfying harmony of sweet, sour, and savory notes—a true celebration of Filipino comfort food at its finest.
Key Features: ✔ Fried fish with a sticky-sweet glaze ✔ Sweet, tangy, and savory sauce with a hint of ginger ✔ Colorful veggies for added freshness and crunch ✔ Easy to prepare yet impressive for gatherings
Tips:
✅ For extra crispiness, dust fish with a little cornstarch before frying. ✅ Adjust sweetness (sugar) or sourness (vinegar) to your preference. ✅ You can also use other firm fish like lapu-lapu (grouper) or tilapia.
A must-try for seafood lovers who enjoy a mix of bold and balanced flavors! Enjoy your Escabecheng Isda Recipe, Tanigue Escabeche! 😊🐟
Escabecheng Isda Tanigue (Mackerel Fish) is a classic Filipino dish featuring crispy fried mackerel smothered in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce with colorful vegetables. The fish is first seasoned and fried to golden perfection, then topped with a flavorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, and ginger simmered in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and tomato sauce. The result is a delicious balance of textures with a slightly sticky, glossy glaze—and a medley of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
500g Mackerel fish (tanigue) (cleaned and sliced into serving pieces)
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Cooking oil (for frying)
Escabeche Sauce
2tbsp Cooking oil (for sautéing)
1medium Onion (sliced)
4cloves Garlic (minced)
1thumb-sized Ginger (cut into strips)
1small Carrot (julienned)
1red Bell pepper (sliced into strips)
1green Bell pepper (sliced into strips)
3tbsp Soy sauce
1tbsp Oyster sauce
4tbsp Vinegar
3tbsp Sugar
4tbsp Tomato sauce
1/2cup Water
Salt & ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Fry the Fish:
1
Pat dry the mackerel pieces with a paper towel.
2
Season both sides with salt & pepper.
3
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
4
Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
5
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Prepare the Escabeche Sauce:
6
In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tbsp.
7
Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.
8
Add carrots and bell peppers, stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly tender.
9
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sugar, tomato sauce, and water.
10
Season with salt & pepper to taste.
11
Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Fish & Sauce:
12
Place the fried fish on a serving plate.
13
Pour the hot escabeche sauce over the fish.
14
Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors before serving.
For better tasting, add the fried fish directly into the sauce, boil it for 2 minutes before serving.
Serve:
15
Best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
Amount Per Serving
Calories1060kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat22g34%
Saturated Fat8.1g41%
Sodium33462mg1395%
Potassium1984mg57%
Total Carbohydrate178.1g60%
Dietary Fiber23.9g96%
Sugars114.6g
Protein55.4g111%
Calcium 402 mg
Iron 24 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.