Looking for more ways to enjoy fish? Try this fried milkfish stewed in a fresh tomato sauce with tahure and tausi. Totsong Bangus is a simple but tasty dish that pairs well with steamed rice for a hearty lunch or dinner!
Totsong or Tochong Bangus is a classic Filipino dish made of milkfish, tausi (fermented black beans), and tahure (fermented bean cakes). The origin of the recipe is unknown, but most probably of Chinese influence, I'm assuming, from the ingredients used.
Similar to cardillo, the bangus pieces are cooked twice for extra flavor and texture. They're first fried until golden and then stewed in a hearty totso sauce until thoroughly cooked. If you have leftover fried fish from a previous dinner, this recipe is a great way to revamp it into another delicious meal!
Ingredients notes
- Milkfish- locally called bangus, this fish is known for their meaty but bony flesh
- Tahure- fermented bean cakes or curds. They're readily available at local wet markets in the Philippines. Canned versions are also commercially sold in supermarkets.
- Tausiโ fermented black beans in brine. They add umami and salty flavor to the dish.
- Onion, garlic, and ginger- aromatics act as the flavor base of ginisa recipes
- Roma tomatoes โalso called plum tomatoes; help thicken the sauce.
- Vinegar- brings a tangy taste that balances the rich, savory flavors.
Variations
- You can add tofu cubes to extend the dish deliciously. Use firm tofu, not silken. Deep-fryย until golden and crispy and toss in with the fish just until heated through.
- Some regional versions of the dish, like that from Cavite, include vegetables such as kangkong or eggplant and finger chili peppers for a kick of heat.
Quick tips
- You can use boneless bangus if you don't want to deal with the bones.
- Rinse and drain the tausi well to remove the excessive saltiness.
How to serve and store
- Serve totsong bangus while still warm with steamed rice for a healthy and filling lunch or dinner.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
More fish and seafood recipes
Ingredients
- 1 whole bangus, scaled, gutted and cut into serving pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- canola oil
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 thumb-size ginger, peeled and julienned
- 2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 squares tahure (fermented bean cakes), drained
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 cups water
- ยฝ cup tausi, fermented black beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Rinse fish and drain well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat about 2 inch deep of oil.
- Carefully add fish in the hot oil and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- In another pan over medium heat, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onions, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened.
- Add tomatoes and cook, mashing with the back of the spoon, until softened and release juices.
- In a bowl, mash tahure. Add vinegar and water and stir until combined.
- Add tahure mixture to the pan and boil, uncovered and without stirring, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add tausi and stir to combine.
- Add bangus in a single layer.
- Cover, lower heat, and continue to cook for about 4 to 6 minutes or until fish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Drain the tofu well. Wrap with a thick layer of paper towels and weigh down with a plate for about 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the excess liquid.ย
- Cut the tofu block into three pieces. Deep-fry until golden and crispy. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Cut into cubes.
- Add tofu and gently toss to combine. Cook just until heated through.
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Rei says
I needed to check if there was garlic, but my Lola made this with bangus or pork (ribs or belly)โequally good butI prefer pork ribs. If with bangus, sheโll use talong and ampalaya; if with pork, hilaw na papaya (or chayote). Thanks for the recipe. It is spot on!
Miriam says
They all good masarap.
Jon Sanchez says
Hi Lalaine
this ulam is what i missed most in my Moms recipe, she used to to mix bangus and bits of pork belly with fats that made the dish saucy, she always has extra sauce, why? -- because the side dish is fried eggplant that you could dip into tocho sauce ๐๐คค..what an authentic way to eat this pinoy dish. You should try it!
Lalaine Manalo says
Thank you for the tip! I'll definitely try it; sounds delicious!
Liz says
Thank you for this! I grew up eating this and i was missing it but I never learned how to cook it. Googled and had my fingers crossed for a recipe! Maraming salamat!๐๐
Lalaine Manalo says
You're welcome. I hope you enjoyed it.
Yen says
Hi! For my nanay's version, she adds vegetables like kangkong, eggplant, and green bell pepper, plus she also adds one mashed salted egg in the end.
Lalaine Manalo says
Thanks for the tips! We'll definitely try them next time I make this.
grace says
That's how I cook totchong bangus and I am really missing it!Unfortunately di sya type ng asawa ko. ๐
Lalaine says
Cook a small amount for you ๐
kathy says
aha, that's what it's called pala... for the longest time, we only call it "bistek na bangus sa tausi" ๐ and that dish will surely call for a lot of rice ๐
Gracie says
We are from the coastal town in Bulacan and Totsong Bangus have been our comfort food. I am not sure about its origin but I am sure that it's been our "go-to ulam" since time immemorial. What's good about totsong bangus or "tocho", as we call it, it becomes more yummy as time goes by. Like adobo, mas masarap habang tumatagal. No need to refrigerate especially if you make it extra salty and omit the tomatoes.