Indonesian Pickled Mackerel with Spicy Yellow Sauce

Kembung Acar Kuning: A Delightful Indonesian Pickled Mackerel Dish

Kembung Acar Kuning, an Indonesian dish with vibrant flavors and a tangy twist, features fried mackerel in a rich, yellow pickling sauce. This recipe brings together the robust tastes of traditional spices and fresh vegetables, creating a unique and delicious meal. Here’s how you can recreate this flavorful dish at home:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg mackerel (kembung)
• 10 whole bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• For the spice paste:
  • 10 shallots (bawang merah)
  • 8 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
  • 4 candlenuts (kemiri)
  • 2 cm turmeric (kunyit)
  • 2 cm galangal, crushed (laos)
  • 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, crushed (serai)
• For the seasoning:
  • Vinegar, to taste
  • 2 tamarind slices (mata asem)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Chicken seasoning powder (motto), to taste
  • Bouillon powder, to taste
  • Sugar, to taste
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• For the fish coating:
  • 3 shallots (bawang merah)
  • 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
  • 1 piece turmeric (kunyit)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Chicken seasoning powder (motto), to taste
  • Sugar, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mackerel:

   • Clean the mackerel thoroughly. Season with salt, finely chopped shallots, garlic, and turmeric. Fry the fish until crispy and golden brown. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, and turmeric into a smooth paste. Set aside.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and cooked through.

4. Prepare the Pickling Sauce:

   • Add water to the sautéed spice paste and stir. Season with salt, chicken seasoning powder, bouillon powder, and sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil.

5. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:

   • Once boiling, add the sliced carrot, cucumber, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Stir well and cook until the vegetables are tender.

6. Finish the Dish:

   • Add vinegar and tamarind slices. Stir to combine. Then, gently add the fried mackerel to the sauce. Mix well to coat the fish with the pickling sauce.

7. Add Final Touches:

   • Place the whole bird’s eye chilies and sliced tomatoes on top. Stir to distribute evenly.

8. Serve:

   • Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well incorporated and heated through. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.

Enjoy this flavorful Kembung Acar Kuning as a delicious side or main dish, perfect for any meal. Its unique combination of spices and pickling elements makes it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal! 😁