Balado Mujair with Tofu and Eggplant

This delightful dish, Balado Mujair with Tofu and Eggplant, is a vibrant blend of flavors that celebrates the richness of Indonesian cuisine. The combination of crispy fried mujair fish, tofu, and eggplant, all enveloped in a spicy and aromatic sambal, creates a dish that is both satisfying and deeply flavorful. Here’s how to prepare this sumptuous meal, perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

For the Main Ingredients:

• 4 mujair fish, cleaned and ready to fry
• 1 block of tofu, cut into 5 pieces
• 1 eggplant, sliced according to preference

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 10 shallots (bawang merah)
• 5 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (serai)
• Seasoning:
  • To taste: Masako seasoning
  • To taste: Salt
  • To taste: Sugar
• Cooking oil for sautéing (as needed)
• Water (as needed)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by thoroughly cleaning the mujair fish under cold running water. Once clean, heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until they are golden brown and crispy. After frying, set the fish aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

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2. Prepare the Tofu:
   While the fish is frying, cut the tofu into 5 equal pieces. Fry the tofu in the same oil until it is golden and slightly crispy. Once fried, remove the tofu and set it aside with the fish.

3. Prepare the Eggplant:
   Clean the eggplant and slice it according to your preference. Fry the eggplant in the hot oil until it softens and acquires a light golden color. Set aside once done.

4. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

5. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   In a clean pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.

6. Add Aromatics:
   Add the kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass to the sautéed spice paste. Stir well and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Combine Everything:
   Once the spices are fragrant, gently add the fried mujair, tofu, and eggplant to the pan. Mix everything carefully to ensure that each piece is coated in the delicious spice blend.

8. Season the Dish:
   Add a splash of water to help the spices absorb into the fish and vegetables. Season with Masako, salt, and sugar to taste. Stir well, and allow the mixture to simmer until the water begins to evaporate and the flavors deepen.

9. Final Taste Test:
   As the water reduces, taste the dish to adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once the water has nearly evaporated and the dish is aromatic and flavorful, turn off the heat.

10. Serve:
    Transfer your Balado Mujair with Tofu and Eggplant to a serving platter. This dish is best enjoyed warm, paired with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Balado Mujair with Tofu and Eggplant not only brings a burst of flavor to your dining table but also showcases the beautiful harmony of textures from the crispy fish and tender vegetables. Share this delightful dish with family and friends, and savor the authentic taste of Indonesia right in your home!