Discover the perfect recipe for Pulgas, small fish or seafood that’s ideal for frying or grilling. This easy-to-follow guide will help you prepare Pulgas to crispy perfection, offering a delicious and savory treat that’s perfect for any meal. Learn how to season, cook, and serve Pulgas for a mouthwatering seafood dish that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients:

- 500 grams of small fish or seafood (such as sardines, anchovies, or shrimp)

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

- 1 egg, beaten

- 1/2 cup milk

- Vegetable oil, for frying

- Lemon wedges, for serving

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Fish/Seafood:

  - If using whole small fish, clean and gut them, removing any scales if necessary. For shrimp, peel and devein.

Prepare the Coating:

  - In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  - In another bowl, combine the beaten egg and milk.

Coat the Fish/Seafood:

  - Dip each piece of fish or seafood into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.

  - Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

Fry or Grill:

  - For Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the fish or seafood in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  - For Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the fish or seafood, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve:

  - Transfer the cooked Pulgas to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Pulgas as an appetizer, snack, or main course!

Nutritional Values:

Small Fish or Seafood (e.g., Sardines, Anchovies, Shrimp):

   - Calories: 90-150 kcal

   - Protein: 15-25 grams

   - Fat: 1-7 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0-2 grams

   - Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High

Benefits:

   - High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

   - Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

   - Provides minerals like calcium (in sardines) and iodine.

   - Contains essential vitamins such as B12 and D.

All-Purpose Flour:

   - Calories: 364 kcal

   - Protein: 10 grams

   - Fat: 1 gram

   - Carbohydrates: 76 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

   - Versatile ingredient used in various dishes.

Paprika:

   - Calories: 282 kcal

   - Protein: 14 grams

   - Fat: 13 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 54 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants like capsaicin and carotenoids.

   - Rich in vitamin A, supporting vision and immune function.

Garlic Powder:

   - Calories: 331 kcal

   - Protein: 16 grams

   - Fat: 0.7 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 72 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains allicin with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

   - May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Salt:

   - Sodium: 38,000 mg

Benefits:

   - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

   - Enhances flavor in foods.

Black Pepper:

   - Calories: 255 kcal

   - Protein: 10 grams

   - Fat: 3 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 64 grams

Benefits:

   - Stimulates digestive enzymes and improves nutrient absorption.

   - Contains piperine, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Cayenne Pepper (optional):

   - Calories: 318 kcal

   - Protein: 12 grams

   - Fat: 17 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 57 grams

Benefits:

   - Capsaicin boosts metabolism and aids in weight management.

   - May have analgesic effects due to capsaicin content.

Egg:

   - Calories: 72 kcal

   - Protein: 6 grams

   - Fat: 5 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides high-quality protein for muscle health and repair.

   - Rich in vitamins B12, riboflavin, and selenium.

Milk:

   - Calories: 42 kcal

   - Protein: 3.4 grams

   - Fat: 1 gram

   - Carbohydrates: 5 grams

Benefits:

   - High in calcium, supporting bone health.

   - Provides protein for muscle repair and growth.

Vegetable Oil:

   - Calories: 884 kcal

   - Fat: 100 grams

   - Saturated Fat: 14 grams

   - Monounsaturated Fat: 73 grams

   - Polyunsaturated Fat: 11 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides energy due to high calorie content.

   - Suitable for frying due to high smoke point.

Lemon:

   - Calories: 29 kcal

   - Protein: 1.1 grams

   - Fat: 0.3 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

Benefits:

   - High in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.

   - Aids in digestion and detoxification.

Fresh Parsley:

   - Calories: 36 kcal

   - Protein: 3 grams

   - Fat: 0.8 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 6 grams

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

   - Contains antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids.