Grilled Carp with Shrimp Paste (Ikan Mas Bakar Terasi)
Dive into the rich flavors of Southeast Asia with this delightful recipe for Grilled Carp with Shrimp Paste, known as Ikan Mas Bakar Terasi. This dish combines the succulent taste of fresh carp with a savory marinade that perfectly balances the spiciness of chili and the umami of shrimp paste. Serve it with a side of sambal kecap for an extra kick!
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Fish | 2 whole carp, scored (ikan mas) |
| Marinade | 1/2 tablespoon lime juice |
| 1/2 tablespoon salt | |
| 1 tablespoon tamarind water | |
| 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | |
| 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying | |
| Spice Paste | 6 shallots |
| 3 cloves garlic | |
| 3 large red chilies | |
| 4 curly red chilies | |
| 2 red bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit) | |
| 1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds | |
| 2 teaspoons shrimp paste (terasi) | |
| 2 cm ginger, sliced | |
| 1 teaspoon salt |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fish:
Begin by thoroughly rubbing the scored carp with lime juice and salt, ensuring every cut is coated. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavor. -
-
Make the Spice Paste:
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and the assorted chilies to the pan. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant, typically around 3-4 minutes. Then, introduce the tamarind water and stir to combine. Once everything is well-mixed and aromatic, remove from heat. Add the sweet soy sauce, stirring until fully incorporated. -
Marinate the Carp:
Generously coat the marinated fish with the spice paste, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Allow the carp to rest in the marinade for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld. -
Grill the Fish:
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated carp onto the grill, cooking for approximately 10-15 minutes on each side, or until the fish is fully cooked and has developed a beautiful char. Baste with any remaining marinade during grilling to keep the fish moist and flavorful. -
Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, serve the Ikan Mas Bakar Terasi hot, accompanied by sambal kecap, allowing guests to enjoy an additional layer of flavor.
This recipe is a perfect representation of the vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesia, showcasing the exquisite balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy this dish at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes a star of the table!
