Easy Guisadong Tahong Recipe
I. Introduction
Mussels sautรฉed with tomatoes, garlic, and onions in a light, savory sauceโa simple, fast, and full of umami. This Easy Guisadong Tahong Recipe showcases fresh mussels in a classic Filipino-style sautรฉ that’s both flavorful and quick to prepare.
II. Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh tahong (mussels), cleaned and debearded
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (patis)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/2 cup water or clam broth
- 1 tsp whole black pepper
III. Equipment
- Wide skillet or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Brush for cleaning mussels
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
IV. Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the mussels by scrubbing shells and removing beards.
- Discard any mussels that are already open and don’t close when tapped.
- Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.
- Sautรฉ garlic and onions until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Add tomatoes and cook until they break down and become saucy.
- Add cleaned mussels to the pan along with water or broth.
- Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until mussels open.
- Discard any mussels that don’t open.
- Season with fish sauce and black pepper.
- Serve immediately while hot.
V. Tips
Scrub shells well; discard any unopened mussels. Fresh mussels should smell like the ocean, not fishy or sour. Only cook mussels that are tightly closed or close when tapped. The cooking liquid from the mussels adds flavor to the dish, so don’t drain it completely. Serve immediately as mussels taste best when they’re just cooked.
VI. Serving
With rice or crusty bread. This delicious mussel dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, which soaks up the flavorful cooking liquid. A simple green salad makes a nice accompaniment to balance the rich, savory flavors of the mussels.
VII. Storage
Eat immediatelyโdo not store. Mussels are best enjoyed fresh right after cooking. Once cooled, the texture and flavor deteriorate quickly. If you must store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but note that the texture will not be optimal when reheated.