Grilled Milkfish and Eggplant Delight

Oplok Terong with Grilled Milkfish

Oplok Terong with Grilled Milkfish is a flavorful and comforting dish that perfectly blends the rich taste of grilled fish with tender eggplant, enhanced by a fragrant spice mix. This dish is ideal for breakfast or a hearty lunch and pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like corn fritters, salted fish, and crispy crackers. Here’s how to prepare this delectable meal:

Ingredients:

• 1 green eggplant
• Grilled milkfish (bandeng), pre-grilled for convenience
• Spice Paste:
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 4 shallots
  • 3/4 of a nutmeg seed (kemiri)
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • A handful of kaffir lime leaves
  • 10 small red chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • Salt to taste
  • Seasoning to taste
  • A pinch of granulated sugar
• Cooking oil (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

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   • Cut the green eggplant into small pieces. Rinse with salt to remove the bitterness, then set aside.

2. Prepare the Grilled Milkfish:

   • If using pre-grilled milkfish, simply clean and prepare it. If not pre-grilled, grill the milkfish until thoroughly cooked and set aside.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the garlic, shallots, nutmeg seed, coriander, turmeric, and red chilies into a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or mortar and pestle for this.

4. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant and cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the Eggplant:

   • Add the prepared eggplant pieces to the wok. Stir well and pour in a little water to help soften the eggplant. Simmer and cook until the eggplant becomes tender, making sure to keep the water level sufficient to prevent burning.

6. Combine with Milkfish:

   • Once the eggplant is tender, add the grilled milkfish to the wok. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

7. Season the Dish:

   • Add kaffir lime leaves, seasoning, and a pinch of granulated sugar. Stir to combine all the flavors. Cook for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.

8. Serve:

   • Oplok Terong with Grilled Milkfish is ready to be served. It’s delicious when accompanied by freshly steamed rice, corn fritters, salted fish, and crispy crackers.

Enjoy your meal with this delightful and satisfying dish, perfect for any time of day! 😊