Linarang


Linarang, also known as larang or nilarang, is a Filipino fish stew originating from the Central Visayas islands. It is made with fish in a spicy and sour coconut milk-based broth with garlic, red onions, tomatoes, fermented black beans, chilis, and sour fruits.

Etymology

The name linarang or nilarang, is the affixed form of the Cebuano verb larang, meaning "to stew with coconut milk and spices". The word is originally a synonym of the ginataan cooking process, but has come to refer exclusively to this particular dish.

Description

Linarang is prepared by first sautéing the fish with garlic, red onions, and tomatoes. It is then added to a broth with fermented black beans, chilis, and a souring agent. The souring agent is usually unripe mangoes, tamarind, or bilimbi, but can also be any sour fruit.

Variations

Linarang can vary depending on the type of fish used. The most commonly used are parrotfish, stingrays, marlin, snakehead, and Spanish mackerel.
A notable variant from Cordova, Cebu is linarang na bakasi or nilarang bakasi, which is made from moray eels ; specifically the little moray, which is abundant in the waters around the city. The eels are commonly referred to as "baby eels" in English due to their size, even though they are fully-grown adults.