Fish Balls & the Famous Manong’s Sauce

Prep: 20 mins  |  Cook: 15 mins  |  Serves: 4

It’s the sauce that makes the memory: glossy, sweet-sour, a little heat, a little garlic. This version gets you close to the cart experience.

Ingredients

  • 400 g store-bought fish balls (or homemade)
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp vinegar
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • Chili flakes to taste

Instructions

  1. Fry fish balls until puffed and lightly browned; set aside.
  2. In a pot: water, soy, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  3. Stir in cornstarch slurry; cook until glossy and thick.
  4. Serve sauce in cups with skewered fish balls.

Serving Tip

Best enjoyed with hot rice and shared with family.

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