Ikan Kembung Balado: A Delightful Indonesian Spicy Mackerel Dish
Ingredients:
- 1 medium mackerel (ikan kembung), cleaned and gutted
- 9 red chili peppers (cabe keriting), seeded
- 5 shallots (bawang merah), peeled
- 3 cloves of garlic (bawang putih), peeled
- 1 tomato, chopped
- A pinch of palm sugar (gula merah), to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Seasoning (optional)
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce (kecap inggris)
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mackerel:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning and washing the mackerel. Pat it dry with paper towels. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the mackerel until it is crispy and almost dry. Set aside. -
Prepare the Spice Paste:
While the fish is frying, prepare the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine the red chili peppers, shallots, and garlic. Blend into a smooth paste. -
Cook the Spice Paste:
In the same pan used for frying the fish, add a bit more oil if needed. Heat over medium heat and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add the chopped tomato and continue cooking until the tomato has softened and the oil starts to separate from the paste. -
Add Flavorings:
To the spice paste, add the kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. Adjust the seasoning with salt and optional seasoning to taste. -
Simmer with Mackerel:
Gently place the fried mackerel into the pan with the spice paste. Add a small amount of water to help the flavors meld together. Stir to ensure the fish is well coated with the spice mixture. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. -
Final Adjustments:
After 3 minutes, uncover the pan and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional minute if needed, to ensure the mackerel is well flavored. -
Serve:
Your Ikan Kembung Balado is now ready to be served. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a spicy, flavorful meal.
Enjoy this traditional Indonesian delight with family and friends, and savor the rich flavors of this classic dish!
