Kinilaw na Isda
Filipino Ceviche
Kinilaw na Isda is a quintessential Filipino appetizer, often referred to as Filipino ceviche. It features raw fish 'cooked' in a vibrant marinade of vinegar and citrus, typically calamansi or lime, infused with aromatics like ginger, onions, and chilies. This dish celebrates the freshness of seafood and the Filipino affinity for sour and tangy flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Sashimi-grade firm-fleshed fish (e.g., tuna, mackerel, wahoo)
- 0.75 cup Vinegar (coconut, cane, or white)
- 0.5 cup Calamansi juice (or lime/lemon juice)
- 0.5 medium Red onion, thinly sliced or finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh ginger, minced or thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 Thai chilies or bird's eye chilies, minced (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.33 cup Coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 0.5 tsp Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fish: Cut the sashimi-grade fish into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a non-reactive bowl.
💡 Tip: Using sashimi-grade fish ensures safety and the best texture for this raw dish. - 2
Wash the fish: Pour about 3/4 cup of vinegar over the fish cubes. Gently toss and let sit for 2 minutes. Drain the vinegar, gently pressing the fish to remove excess liquid. This step helps reduce any fishy odor.
- 3
Prepare the aromatics: Finely chop or thinly slice the red onion, mince the ginger, and finely chop the chilies. Add these to the bowl with the fish.
💡 Tip: The combination of ginger, onion, and chili provides a fragrant and spicy base. - 4
Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the calamansi juice (or lime/lemon juice), the remaining 1/4 cup of vinegar, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the optional sugar.
💡 Tip: Adjust the amount of chilies and sugar to achieve your desired level of heat and tanginess. - 5
Marinate the kinilaw: Gently toss all ingredients to combine. If using coconut milk, stir it in now. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, allowing the fish to 'cook' in the acidic marinade.
💡 Tip: Do not marinate for too long, as the fish can become tough. 30-60 minutes is usually sufficient. - 6
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro or spring onions if desired.
💡 Tip: Kinilaw is best enjoyed fresh, typically as an appetizer or 'pulutan' (a side dish for drinks).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your fish is extremely fresh and of sashimi-grade quality, as it will be consumed raw.
- ✓Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as coconut vinegar or cane vinegar, for varied flavor profiles.
- ✓Other ingredients like diced tomatoes, green mangoes, or even grated tabon-tabon fruit can be added for complexity.
- ✓Serve immediately after marinating for the best texture and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili peppers.
- Add finely diced tomatoes for a touch of sweetness and color.
- Incorporate thinly sliced green mango for an extra layer of tartness.
- Some variations include a small amount of coconut cream for a richer, milder flavor.