Editorial sample recipeFilipinobeginnerdairy-freegluten-free

Coconut Ginger Braised Fish Fillets (Ginataang Isda)

Name: Coconut Ginger Braised Fish Fillets (Ginataang Isda)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 600 g white fish fillets (tilapia or cod), cut into medium portions; 1.5 cups full-fat coconut milk; 2 tbsp fresh ginger, cut into matchsticks; 3 cloves garlic, thin slices; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 3 cups fresh spinach leaves; 2 whole green bird's eye chilies, slit open; 2 tbsp halal fish sauce; 1 tbsp cooking oil

Tender white fish fillets poached in a fragrant coconut milk sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and fresh baby spinach.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min

AI-generated illustration of Coconut Ginger Braised Fish Fillets (Ginataang Isda)

AI illustration

Technique to learn

Coconut Poaching

Simmering delicate fish directly in seasoned coconut cream keeps the protein moist while infusing aromatics.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat cooking oil in a wide, deep skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add sliced onion, garlic, and ginger matchsticks; sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Pour in full-fat coconut milk and fish sauce, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Carefully nestle fish fillets and green chilies into simmering coconut milk.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes until fish flakes easily.

Step 6: Fold in fresh spinach leaves and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes until leaves are wilted before serving hot.

Cooking tips

Keep coconut sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil to prevent the sauce from separating.
Handle white fish fillets delicately with a wide spatula so they remain intact during cooking.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Filipino; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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