Baked bangus recipe kids will love

How many of us face challenges when trying to encourage our kids to eat foods other than meat? Foods like fish, vegetables and other healthier options may not be as appealing to kids when compared to fried chicken and burgers. As homemakers, we try our best to feed our children healthier options, while also allowing them occasional indulgences.

When I was younger I grew up exposed to Filipino fish dishes such as pangat, paksiw and many others. These used to be favorites of my late mom and she made them frequently. As the years went on, I noticed that these are not served anymore to children, primarily because the taste profile is not as appealing to kids, and that the only sour dish they like would perhaps be sinigang.

Bangus is one of those fish varieties that I hang on to like a beacon of hope as far as making sure fish is still served in my home. Of course, there are other types available such as salmon, hamachi and sea bream and these are prepared differently, but they may not be sustainable to serve regularly given their costs. That said, bangus or milkfish ranks high in my list of go-to for fish options.

Get your kids to eat fish more frequently with this cheesy baked bangus.

This baked bangus is versatile as you can use any toppings you like. My version uses ingredients that are familiar to the Filipino palate. I guarantee that your kids will eat this, especially if you top it with grated cheese.

Ingredients:

1 large boneless milkfish

1 medium sized red onion, diced

3 to 4 tomatoes, diced

Optional: a knob of thinly sliced ginger, diced

Salt and pepper

A few tablespoons of liquid seasoning

A cup of grated cheese

Procedure:

1. Wash and clean your milkfish and pat to dry.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. In a separate bowl, combine onions, tomatoes, ginger (if adding) and liquid seasoning. Combine to mix.

4. Add the tomato onion mixture to the milkfish making sure that the entire fish is covered.

5. Preheat oven to 180-degree Celsius. Once oven is hot place the milkfish inside and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Add grated cheese.

7. Bake for additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts.

8. Garnish with parsley, serve immediately.

Notes:

– You may top the milkfish with other sauces based on your preference. One option is to top the other lengthwise half with chimichurri (mix this with ground white pepper, coriander roots and garlic and you have a major flavor bomb) and bake as per directions above.

-Other options include pesto, peri peri sauce, etc.

Yield: Serves 2 to 3

Happy cooking!

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The author may be reached at [email protected] or follow her at Instagram @kaycalpolugtu and @aplateofbahaykubo.