Steamed Sardines in Tomato Sauce
This steamed sardines in tomato sauce is my mum’s way of cooking a can of sardines. This recipe is very local style, and every family has their own way of serving this dish. I do think my mum’s method is very easy, practical and yummy :D Check out the step-by-step photos in this post.
See Also:
Although there is a no-cook version of this recipe (upcoming), the steamed version will always be evergreen because not everyone eats raw onions. Steaming reduces the pungency of raw onions. It also binds the flavours together, resulting in a more delicious sauce.
STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOS
I used a 155g mini can of sardines in tomato sauce (pictured above), which serves 1-2 person(s). Use any favourite brand, preferably those without preservatives. I love the mini can, as it makes a good lunch for one when I’m home alone. This recipe multiples well; If using 2 mini cans or 1 big can, increase the other ingredients accordingly. Or, reference the photos below to “eyeball” the ingredients without measuring.
Line thinly sliced onions on a steaming dish.
Empty a can of sardines (including the tomato sauce it is soaked in) over the onions.
Add some ketchup (not too much or you need sugar as ketchup is tangy).
Add tomatoes and cut chilli. P.S. I added a few more onion slices only for tutorial photography purposes.
Steam for 5-12 minutes, depending how soft you like your onions and tomatoes. The steaming time is flexible since you can even eat this without cooking. P.S. The wok was covered with lid during steaming, after this pic was taken.
I steamed mine for 6 minutes, just enough to cook the onions to a softened state without everything getting too mushy. Squeeze lime juice over the contents.
Give the sauce a stir with a spoon so that it is evenly mixed. Even though the sauce looked messier now, it had gotten a lot more delicious ;)
The sweet+spicy+savoury sardine tomato sauce goes so well with steamed rice.
I actually solo-ed this with 2 servings of brown rice for lunch, because I can’t stop. Overeating >_< but very satisfied :)
Steamed Sardines in Tomato Sauce
This recipe uses a small can of sardines (155g) which serve 1-2 person(s). For bigger servings, use two small cans or 1 big can and increase the other ingredients accordingly.
Ingredients:
- 50g red/white onion cut to half moon thin slices
- 1 can (155g) sardines in tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup to taste
- 2 chilli padi sliced diagonally to small sections
- 1 small tomato cut to 6 wedges
- 1 small limes halved
- 1/2 tbsp chopped spring onions to garnish
Directions:
- Plate the sardines. Line a steaming dish with onions. Empty the can of sardines (including the tomato sauce) and add ketchup over the onions. Top with sliced chilli and tomato wedges.
- Steam the dish. Steam the dish for 5-12 minutes, depending on how soft you like your cooked onions and tomatoes.
- To serve, stir with a spoon to evenly mix the sauce. Squeeze lime juice over the steamed sardines and garnish with spring onions.