Tuyo Fish - Filipino's Favorite Dried Fish

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Have you ever visited the Philippines, or do you know any friends who visited this beautiful and amazing country in South East Asia? Then You probably heard of Tuyo Fish - Filipino's Favorite Dried Fish in the Philippines! Tuyo is a staple in many Filipino households. Many Pinoy choose tuyo dried fish over fresh because it is cheaper and easier to cook.

Tuyo or some spelled it toyu is commonly present on the menu for breakfast because it is super easy and quick to cook. It is often served with plain rice, garlic fried rice, and fried eggs. I remember growing up, my mom cooked this a lot during weekdays along with chicken tocino because she could whip up breakfast in less than 20 minutes for the family.

Its aromatic and strong flavor may not be for everybody, but it is loved by many Filipinos like us who grew up eating it. Just be prepared for its pungent smell, which can linger in the kitchen for a while but it's worth frying.

What is tuyo?

Tuyo means dried fish in English. Tuyo comes in different sizes and shapes, depending on the type of fish used and the region where it is from. Some varieties are smaller and thin, while others are larger and thicker.

It is made by salting and drying various types of fish, such as sardines and herring, under the sun to preserve them longer without using a refrigerator.

It is usually sold in small plastic bags or jars, and it is often paired with vinegar or calamansi juice for added flavor and to balance out the saltiness.

Why you would love tuyo fish?

Toyu is popular in the Philippines because it is affordable compared to fresh fish. Dried fish can be stored for a longer period of time and it is convenient food to have at home without refrigeration.
Tuyo fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.
This dried fish is quick and fast food to prepare. You only need just a few minutes to fry this in a little bit of cooking oil.
Tuyo is simple yet delicious food that represents Filipino culture and cuisine. So if you're feeling adventurous, give tuyo a try and discover it's this Filipino's favorite dried fish.

Filipino's favorite breakfast, tuyo, fried banana, fried, egg, and rice.

Helpful Tips

Some people find toyu too salty, so it's best to soak it in water for a few minutes before frying. Be sure to dry it with a paper towel to avoid oil splatter.
If soaking in water is not your favorite thing to get rid of too much salt, you can prepare a vinegar dip which is basically vinegar to balance the salt.
One way to avoid the smell lingering around the house is to use an air fryer or oven to cook it to contain the pungent smell.
If you live abroad, you can find tuyo in Filipino grocery stores, Asian Stores, or online retailers.

What to serve with tuyo?

Rice - Plain good warm rice, garlic fried rice, or try my mushroom vegetable fried rice. I recommend eating tuyo or any other dried fish with rice. Don't forget the hot brewed coffee or 3-in-1 coffee mix to sip while enjoying your meal.
Noodles - You may laugh at me when I said you can pair this with noodles, right? It is actually delicious to add tuyo in your palabok. Once it's cooked, simply remove the skin and bones of tuyo and tear it into tiny pieces then add it to your noodles as a protein source with salty and savory flavor.
Salads - Have you tried to add my salted egg with tomato salad or cucumber salad yet? It is perfect with fried tuyo for any meal of the day. It is the simplest and one of the best Filipino salads that are so popular.
Soups - You can add this to your ginisang munggo soup at the end of cooking because tuyo cook very fast and you don't want to overcook this.
Other dishes - Chicken Tocino or fried egg is a popular dish to pair this with.

Frequently Asked Question

Is it legal or allowed to bring tuyo (dried fish) into the US?

Surprisingly it is allowed and legal to bring tuyo in the US as long as it is for personal consumption. However, you must declare and present them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for inspection. Be mindful that it has a pungent smell, and I recommend wrapping it with paper first and putting it in a ziplock bag to contain the smell.

Can I travel with dried food?

In general, you can travel with dried foods as long as it is permitted by the transportation regulations and laws of the country you are traveling to. However, it's best to keep in mind that different countries have different rules in regard to the transportation of food items.

When traveling with dried food, it's better to check the regulations of the airline or transportation company you'll be using. Some countries have strict regulations on the import of food items, including dried food, to prevent the spread of diseases or pests.

You may want to consider packing the food items in your checked baggage to avoid any potential problems with carry-on restrictions. In some cases, you may need to declare the food items you are carrying or obtain a permit before entering the country.

What are the ingredients to make tuyo?

Making tuyo is fun and rewarding. You simply need fish such as small mackerel or herring, rock salt, and water for the brine. The procedure for making this dried fish is fairly easy.

Where can I buy tuyo in the United States?

Check your Asian stores, International Stores, or online.