Dinakdakan, a creamy and tangy pork dish that brings with it two different flavors which complement each other in such a unique manner, making it memorable to everyone who gives it a chance. Not only is the flavor profile exceptional, the various pork cuts used to make it is also something to take note of, especially the pork brain which can be substituted with mayonnaise if preferred.
Rather than making use of pork, as it does in the usual Dinakdakan, this recipe makes use of tofu (or more commonly known as tokwa) and bangus. Using these as an alternative for pork makes it less greasy, and also assures for a healthier dish.
Ingredients:
Dinakdakan sauce:
– 1 pc. onion, julienned
– 1 thumb ginger, minced
– 3 pcs. green chili, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp. salt
– 1 tsp. pepper
– ½ Tsbp. vinegar
– ¾ cup mayonnaise
– 2 pcs. red chili
– ½ Tbsp. soy sauce
For frying:
– 1 pc. bangus, cut into strips
– 1 pc. calamansi
– Season with salt
– 2 slabs firm tofu, cut into strips
– Cornstarch, for dredging
Garnish:
– Onion leeks
– Calamansi
– Red Chili
Procedure:
1. Prepare the dressing. Slice the onion, ginger, green chili, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add vinegar, mayonnaise, red chili, and liquid seasoning. Mix well. Set aside.
2. In a pan, heat the oil. Remove the head of the bangus and slice it. Season with salt and calamansi. Toss, then dredge in cornstarch. Fry it until it becomes crispy. Once the bangus is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it in a colander to drain the excess oil.
3. Cut the tofu and dredge it in cornstarch. In the same pan, fry the tofu until it is crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bangus before placing the tofu in the colander to drain the excess oil.
4. Let the bangus and tofu cool down. Once it has cooled down enough to touch, mix them all together with the seasoning. Toss until everything is fully coated.
With a delicate crunch that comes from the fried tofu and bangus, along with the creamy sauce which coats it after mixing it all together, this rendition of Dinakdakan will offer a different flavor compared to its usual taste. It will be an interesting spin to try, especially if you and your family is fond of Dinakdakan.