Fish Escabeche

Fried fish, such as lapu-lapu or tilapia, with sweet and sour sauce.

• 1 large fish such as lapu-lapu or tilapia
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 each of red and green bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup grated unripe papaya
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons ginger, julienned
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon MSG or vetsin
• 1 cup cooking oil

PROCEDURE :
1. Clean the fish and rub with salt and vetsin.
2. In a frying pan, heat the oil and fry the fish until golden brown.
3. Place the fish in a serving dish and set aside.
4. Remove the used oil from the pan and put in about 1 tablespoon of fresh oil.
5. Saute the garlic, ginger, and onion.
6. Add the bell peppers and grated papaya and saute until half-cooked.
7. Put this mixture on top of the fish in the serving dish.
8. Return the pan to the heat and put the vinegar, salt and sugar.
9. Bring to a boil and thicken with the dissolved cornstarch.
10. Pour this sauce over the fish and serve immediately.