I’m cooking a modest dish today – sardines with misua noodles soup. It’s actually mackerel in natural oil (Hekkaido brand); but let me refer to it as a sardine recipe. It’s a Filipino recipe that is so easy to do. Not only that, it easily fits the budget, too.

Easy-to-cook Sardines with Misua Soup Recipe

Usually, canned sardines are sautéed with garlic and onions and that’s it. It makes a lot of sense, too; especially when in a hurry. That in its own makes a tasty dish. Adding misua noodles however, to canned sardines makes the dish more of a soup.

It may be enjoyed with another dish (like fried fish or pork); or may be eaten on its own. Some add gourd (patola) in to this sardines soup which makes it a healthier dish all in all. I prefer the white kind or that in natural oil when turning canned sardines into a soup. That is why I use the Hekkaido brand. But you can use the ones in tomato sauce, if that’s what’s available at home.

For this post, CookingLikeAPro am sharing with you how I cook sardines with misua. It’s my quick ‘go to’ recipe for a cheap and hearty soup.

Table of Contents

Sardines with Misua Soup

Jaime Inez

If you want to try something different in the kitchen, try preparing Sardines with Misua Soup. This delicate noodle soup recipe is a must-try. Its simplicity makes it easy to make at home. All you need to do is heat up a pot of olive oil and add the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the fish sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes. Once the sardines are cooked and the misua is soft, serve the noodle soup with rice.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 326 kcal

Ingredients

1 can Canned sardines
3-5 cloves Garlic chopped
1 whole Onions chopped
1 whole Tomato chopped
5-10 g Misua noodles
½ tbsp Cooking oil
2 tsp Fish sauce
½ cup Water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Pour cooking oil in a heated pan.
Saute the garlic under medium heat.
When the garlic turns sticky and golden, add the onions.
When the onions turn sweaty, put in the tomatoes.
Put the heat to low.
Season with fish sauce. And stir well.

For this very humble dish, I want to really extract the juices and essence of the tomatoes. It will give the soup texture and a bit of sweetness. When the tomatoes are all nearly wilted, I proceed to the next step.

Add the canned sardines.
Break the fish into tiny pieces and stir well.
When the dish comes to a boil, add the water.
Put the misua noodles. Mix well.
Season the sardine soup with salt and pepper.

Notes

You may notice that I used a very small amount of misua in my sardine soup. It’s because I want my dish to be just thick enough. Based on past experiences, I know that the misua noodles can easily thicken a dish. Also, I am avoiding my sardine soup to be pasty. So I scoured just the loose noodles in its container instead of getting one whole sheet. If you are cooking say, 2 cans of sardines, just add more water (1 cup to 1 ½ cups) and add more misua.

Keyword misua, misua soup, sardines

That’s it. We normally eat sardines with misua with hot steamy rice. But it is also enjoyable with bread as a snack.

Tips and Tricks

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Bowl of Sardines with Misua Soup

Alright, let’s dive even deeper into some tips to make your Sardines with Misua Soup experience top-notch. First off, always sauté your garlic and onions until they’re golden – it makes all the difference by infusing the oil with a rich flavor that’ll permeate through the soup. And when it comes to the sardines, go for the ones in tomato sauce for that extra zing. The tomato sauce adds a lovely tanginess that complements the fish perfectly.

Now, about those misua noodles – they’re thin and cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. You want them to be just right – not too firm, not too mushy. A good rule of thumb is to add them towards the end of your cooking process. This way, they retain their texture and don’t turn into a gloopy mess.

Another tip? If you like a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to throw in a chopped chili or two. It’s not traditional, but who says we can’t spice things up a bit? And if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of white wine in the broth can elevate the whole dish to new heights. Just let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol before adding your sardines and misua.

Remember, the key to a great Sardines with Misua Soup is balance. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of salt here, a dash of pepper there, and maybe a sprinkle of sugar to round out the flavors. Trust your palate, and you’ll be dishing up bowls of this comforting soup like a pro!

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a bowl of Sardines with Misua Soup that’s not just good, but great. Now, let’s move on to some FAQs and serving suggestions to complete your culinary adventure.

FAQs About Sardines with Misua Soup Expanded

Got questions? I’ve got answers, and even more of them now! Let’s tackle some of the curiosities you might have about this delightful dish.

“Can I use fresh sardines?” is a question that pops up quite often. Absolutely, if you have the time to clean and prep them, fresh sardines are fantastic. They bring a level of freshness that can’t be beaten. Just remember to remove the scales and guts, and give them a good rinse before cooking.

Another hot topic is health: “Is this dish healthy?” Yes, indeed! Sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Plus, they’re a wonderful source of protein. And let’s not forget misua – these wheat noodles are light and easy to digest, making this soup a wholesome choice for any meal.

People also ask, “What can I substitute for misua if I can’t find it?” No worries! Vermicelli or angel hair pasta can be a good alternative, though the texture will be slightly different. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

“What if I’m not a fan of tomato sauce?” If tomato-based sardines aren’t your thing, you can try sardines in oil or water. You might want to add a bit of fish sauce or soy sauce to enhance the flavor profile of the broth.

And for those wondering, “Can I make this dish ahead of time?” Sardines with Misua Soup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove, and add the misua noodles at the last minute to avoid them getting too soft.

Lastly, “How can I make this dish vegetarian?” While sardines are the star of the show, you can experiment with tofu or mushrooms as a substitute for a vegetarian twist. The key is to infuse the broth with umami flavors using seaweed or vegetable stock.

Keep these FAQs in mind as you embark on your Sardines with Misua Soup-making journey. With each spoonful, you’ll discover why this dish is beloved by many and how it can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy your culinary exploration!

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment of Sardines with Misua Soup

When it comes to serving your Sardines with Misua Soup, the possibilities for garnishing and presentation can really enhance the overall experience. I personally adore topping my bowl with freshly chopped green onions for that burst of color and a hint of sharpness. A squeeze of lemon juice not only adds a nice tangy twist but also brings out the flavors of the fish.

But why stop there? Consider adding a sprinkle of fried garlic bits for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple touch that elevates the dish with minimal effort. For those who enjoy a bit of greenery, a handful of spinach or bok choy can be wilted into the soup just before serving, contributing both nutrients and color.

If you’re looking to impress, serve the soup in a pre-heated bowl to keep it warm longer. This is especially comforting if you’re enjoying the meal on a cold day. And for a communal dining experience, place the pot in the center of the table with a ladle, allowing everyone to serve themselves. It creates a sense of family and sharing that goes hand-in-hand with this homely dish.

For an added touch of elegance, drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the top of the soup just before serving. This not only adds a fragrant aroma but also introduces a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the sardines beautifully.

And let’s not forget about the sides! A simple steamed rice works wonders alongside Sardines with Misua Soup, as it absorbs the savory broth and balances the meal. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not pair it with a slice of crusty bread? It’s perfect for dipping and sopping up all that delicious soup.

Remember, the key to maximum enjoyment is to serve your Sardines with Misua Soup hot, right off the stove. The warmth and freshness are part of the charm, making each spoonful a cozy embrace for your taste buds. So gather your loved ones around the table, serve up this delightful dish, and watch as it becomes a cherished favorite in your household.