Ensaladang Dilis (Tomato and Onion Salad with Dried Anchovies)
A Filipino salad that pairs crispy fried dried anchovies with diced ripe tomatoes and purple onion, all tossed in a bright calamansi and fish sauce dressing.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 122kcal
Cost: $
Equipment
- 1 Frying pan Used to stir-fry the dried anchovies until they start to brown.
- 1 Mixing bowl For combining the dressing and tossing the salad.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces dried anchovies
- 3 pieces ripe tomatoes seeded and diced
- 1 pieces purple onion medium, diced
- 3 pieces calamansi
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional
- 2 teaspoon cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan. Add the dried anchovies and stir-fry until they start to brown.2 teaspoon cooking oil, 3 ounces dried anchovies
- Transfer the anchovies to a plate right away. They will get crispier as they cool.3 ounces dried anchovies
- Squeeze the calamansi into a bowl. Add the fish sauce, ground black pepper, and sugar, if using. Stir until well combined.3 pieces calamansi, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Add the tomatoes and onion. Toss gently to coat them with the dressing.3 pieces ripe tomatoes, 1 pieces purple onion
- Add the fried anchovies and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly combined.3 ounces dried anchovies
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve. I like having this as a main dish with garlic fried rice, but it also makes a good side dish for inihaw na liempo.
Notes
Toss right before serving – The dilis lose their crunch once they sit in the dressing, so combine everything at the last minute if you want maximum crispiness.
Make-ahead – Fry the anchovies and mix the calamansi dressing up to a day in advance. Keep the dilis in an airtight container at room temperature and the dressing chilled, then dice the tomatoes and onion fresh.
Calamansi substitute – No calamansi on hand? Use 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lime or lemon juice in its place.
Scaling – This doubles well for a party spread, but fry the dilis in batches so the pan is not crowded, otherwise they steam instead of crisping.
Nutrition
Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 912mg | Potassium: 305mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 1mg