Crispy Fried Pomfret with Zesty Sambal Matah

Fried Pomfret with Sambal Matah

Ingredients:

• Fish Preparation:

  • 2 freshwater pomfret
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

• Sambal Matah:

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  • 4 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe tomato, diced
  • Red curly chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • Red bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced (white part only)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

Preparation Steps:

1. Marinate the Fish:

   • Clean the pomfret thoroughly under running water.
   • Rub the fish with the finely minced garlic, salt, and lime juice.
   • Let the fish marinate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

2. Fry the Fish:

   • Heat enough oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Fry the marinated pomfret until golden brown and fully cooked.
   • Remove the fish from the oil and set it aside, keeping the oil for the sambal matah.

3. Prepare Sambal Matah:

   • In a bowl, combine the diced tomato, thinly sliced shallots, red curly chilies, red bird’s eye chilies, and lemongrass.
   • Add salt to taste and the juice of one lime.
   • Pour a few tablespoons of the hot oil used to fry the fish over the mixture to bring out the flavors.

4. Serve:

   • Arrange the fried pomfret on a serving plate.
   • Generously spoon the sambal matah over the fish.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy fish and fresh, tangy sambal matah.

Notes:

• Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of chilies in the sambal matah according to your preference. More bird’s eye chilies will make it spicier, while reducing them will make it milder.
• Lemongrass: Ensure you use only the white part of the lemongrass stalk for the sambal matah, as it is the most tender and flavorful part.
• Oil Temperature: Be cautious with the temperature of the oil when adding it to the sambal matah to avoid any splattering. Use just enough to lightly cook the ingredients and bring out their flavors.

This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and other Indonesian side dishes. The crispy fried pomfret combined with the fresh, zesty sambal matah creates a harmonious explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Enjoy this traditional Indonesian culinary gem right in your own kitchen!