Crispy Filipino Fish Escabeche Recipe

Filipino Fish Escabeche is the highlight of Filipino gatherings, and it’s easy to see why. This dish features vibrant colors, a sweet and sour flavor, and an enticing aroma. For years, it has been best for celebrations, Sunday lunches, and fiestas. It brings home cooks and professional chefs together. They are all united by their love of tasty food.

What is Filipino Fish Escabeche?

Filipino Fish Escabeche is a whole fried fish that’s drenched in a sweet and tangy vegetable sauce. This recipe uses ginger, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and a bit of vinegar to make the sauce. Its origins might come from Spanish influence. It has become a special Filipino dish that people love to enjoy at celebrations.

Why Filipino Fish Escabeche is a cut above in Filipino cuisine.

Escabeche is a real winner when it comes to flavor – and presentation. Crispy fish with sweet-sour sauce works. It takes everything to a whole new level. It’s easy to make, so this dish brings people together at dinner or best for family Party. It’s what Filipino hospitality is all about.

Ingredients to make the perfect Filipino escabeche.

To make your escabeche like Lola used to, gather these ingredients:

For the Fish

• 1 whole fish (like tilapia, red snapper, or pompano – use what you can get)
• Salt and pepper to taste—but not too much.
• Enough oil for deep frying (not too much either – you do not want greasy fish).

For the Escabeche Sauce

• 1 tablespoon of oil—just enough to get the job done.
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced – don’t be shy with the garlic.
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced into tiny pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced into nice thick pieces
• 1 medium carrot, sliced into sticks
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 cup of vinegar – the good stuff
•  ½ cup of water – just enough to thin it out a bit
• 3 tablespoons of sugar—accept it or reject it, really.
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (if you like – but it’s not essential)
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup of water (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste – but in truth, it doesn’t must much.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Get the Fish Ready

Just clean the fish really well and pat it dry with some paper towels. Add some salt and pepper for good measure. Then cut a few slits on the skin to make sure it cooks evenly.

2. Fry the Fish Until it’s Golden and Crispy

Heat up some oil in a deep-frying pan and fry the fish until it’s golden and crispy. Then take it out and put it on a plate to drain off the excess oil.

3. Get the Escabeche Sauce Going

In another pan, heat some oil. Sauté the ginger, garlic, and onion until they smell good and begin to soften. Add in the carrots and bell peppers and cook until they’re slightly tender.

4. Add the Flavor Base

Add vinegar, water, soy sauce (if using), and sugar. Let it simmer without stirring until the vinegar smell disappears.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and simmer until the sauce is glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.

6. Combine and Serve

Pour the hot Escabeche sauce over the fried fish. This is the final step where all the flavors come together and looks good.

Tips for the Best Filipino Fish Escabeche

Choose the Right Fish

We recommend using firm white fish that can be fried. Red snapper, tilapia and pompano are the top choices.

Balance the sweet and sour.

Traditional escabeche has a mild sweetness. Adjust sugar, vinegar and soy sauce to your taste.

Keep Vegetables Crisp

Don’t overcook the bell peppers and carrots so they still have color and crunch.

Don’t stir vinegar immediately.

Let the vinegar simmer undisturbed, allowing the flavor to soften naturally.

Nutritional Information

Best Pairs for Filipino Fish Escabeche

1. Steamed White Rice

This dish needs a neutral partner that can absorb its bold flavors.

2. Garlic Fried Rice

We recommend toasted garlic rice for more richness.

3. Light Vegetable Sides

Ensalada talon, cucumber salad or atchara goes well with the acidity.

4. Fresh Tropical Fruits

Pineapple or mango adds brightness to the sweet notes.

How to Store and Reheat Escabeche Properly

Refrigeration

We store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating

For best results:

• Reheat the sauce separately.
• Warm the fish lightly in the oven to maintain crisp edges.

Regional Variations of Filipino Escabeche

Visayan Style

More vinegar and sharper finish.

Luzon Style

Sweeter and thicker, with more vegetables.

Mindanao Style

Turmeric is added, gives the sauce a golden color and earthy flavor.

Why this recipe beats traditional versions.

We have:

• Clear workflow
• Detailed ingredient list
• Authentic cooking method
• Professional tips to achieve texture and flavor
• Highly structured step-by-step instructions
• Pairing suggestions and storage guide
• Regional variations explained
• These will help you achieve pro results at home.

Conclusion

We love Filipino Fish Escabeche. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of color, contrast, and culture. This dish combines crispy fried fish with a tasty sweet-and-sour sauce. It truly represents the heart of Filipino cooking. This guide is for cooks at all levels, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. It shows you how to make an Escabeche that every Filipino home can take pride in.

Crispy Filipino Fish Escabeche Recipe

Filipino Fish Escabeche is the highlight of Filipino gatherings, and it’s easy to see why. This dish features vibrant colors, a sweet and sour flavor, and an enticing aroma.

Author: Marisa M. Hsu

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Calories: 320 Best Season: Winter, Fall, Spring, Summer, Rainy

⭐ Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Fish

• 1 whole fish (tilapia, sea bass, or snapper)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• Cooking oil for frying

For the Escabeche Sauce

• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-size ginger, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¾ cup water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp 1 cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
• ¼ tsp ground pepper

⭐ How to Make Crispy Filipino Fish Escabeche

Step 1: Season & Fry the Fish

1. Pat the fish dry—this helps it fry up extra crispy. Rub it with salt and pepper, then coat both sides lightly with cornstarch. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, and once it’s shimmering, gently slide the fish in. Fry until the skin turns beautifully golden and crispy. Set aside on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. In another pan, add a tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until the kitchen smells heavenly and everything turns soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Veggies

1. Toss in the bell peppers and carrots. Let them cook for a minute or two—just enough to keep their crunch and color.

Step 4: Build the Sweet-Sour Sauce

1. Pour in vinegar, soy sauce, water, and sugar. Give it a quick stir. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil without stirring for about 30 seconds, allowing the vinegar to mellow out.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

1. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce turns glossy and slightly thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

1. Lay the crispy fried fish on a serving platter and generously spoon the sauce and veggies over the top. The heat from the sauce softens the edges but keeps the fish crunchy inside—absolute perfection!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Protein 28g57%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Tips for the Best Escabeche

• Make sure the fish is very dry before frying for the crispiest finish.
• Don’t stir the vinegar right away—it prevents raw vinegar flavor.
• Add pineapple chunks for a sweeter variation.
• Want more crunch? Add extra bell peppers!

Keywords: Filipino Fish Escabeche ,