Balado Ikan Kembung: Spicy Mackerel Delight
Ingredients:
- 600 grams mackerel fish (ikan kembung), cleaned and patted dry
- Cooking oil
- 5 stalks scallions, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Salt and sugar to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- For the spice paste:
- 10 red curly chilies (cabe merah keriting)
- 4 shallots
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish:
- Season the cleaned mackerel with salt and lime juice. Allow the fish to marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Fry the Fish:
- Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan. Fry the marinated mackerel until it is crispy and fully cooked on both sides. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and drain on paper towels.
-
Cook the Spice Paste:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the sliced scallions and tomato until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the spice paste ingredients: red curly chilies, shallots, and garlic, which have been blended or ground into a smooth paste. Cook until the paste becomes aromatic and starts to separate from the oil.
- Season with a pinch of sugar and salt to taste, adjusting the sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Pour the spicy paste over the fried mackerel arranged on a serving plate, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve the Balado Ikan Kembung hot, and enjoy the vibrant, spicy flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish.
This dish is a delightful combination of crispy fish and a richly flavored chili paste, perfect for adding a touch of spice to your meal.
