Spicy Sardine-Style Dencis Fish with Quail Eggs
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Ikan Dencis Bumbu Sardin Pedas Nyemek-Nyemek, a vibrant dish that combines crispy dencis fish with a rich, spicy sauce and the earthy goodness of quail eggs. Perfect for serving with steamed rice, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dencis fish (about the size of half a palm) | 9 fish |
| Quail eggs (hard-boiled) | 9 eggs |
| Purple eggplant (or substitute with tofu/potato) | 100 grams (1 ounce) |
| Spice Paste: | |
| Red chili peppers | 100 grams (3.5 ounces) |
| Bird’s eye chilies | 15 peppers |
| Candlenut | 1 nut |
| Ripe tomatoes | 200 grams (7 ounces) |
| Garlic | 7 cloves |
| Shallots | 10 shallots |
| White pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Sliced Seasonings: | |
| Ripe tomatoes | 100 grams (3.5 ounces) |
| Bird’s eye chilies (halved) | 6 peppers |
| Large red chilies | 5 chilies |
| Onion (sliced) | 200 grams (7 ounces) |
| Kaffir lime leaves (torn) | 1 leaf |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Water | 200 ml (about ¾ cup) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Diabetasol sugar (optional; regular sugar can be used) | ½ packet |
| Chili sauce | ½ tablespoon |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending all the ingredients for the spice paste—red chili peppers, bird’s eye chilies, candlenut, ripe tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and white pepper—until they form a fine paste.
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Cook the Spice Paste: In a pan, heat some cooking oil over medium heat and sauté the blended spice paste until it becomes fragrant and fully cooked, ensuring it reaches a nice, deep color.
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Combine the Main Ingredients: Once the spice paste is cooked, carefully add the fried dencis fish and the fried purple eggplant. Stir gently to coat the fish and eggplant with the spice paste, then add the hard-boiled quail eggs last.
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Add Sliced Seasonings: Incorporate the sliced tomatoes, halved bird’s eye chilies, large red chilies, sliced onion, and torn kaffir lime leaves into the pan. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
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Season the Dish: Pour in the water and season with salt, Diabetasol sugar (or regular sugar), chili sauce, and any desired flavor enhancer. Stir everything together.
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Simmer: Allow the dish to simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring everything is well heated through.
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Serve: Once the dish is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Serve hot with steamed rice, and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
This vibrant recipe not only showcases the deliciousness of the dencis fish but also brings a unique blend of spices that will transport you to the heart of culinary tradition. Perfect for gatherings or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests and family alike!
