Spicy Indonesian Balado Fish (Ikan Sembilang)

Balado Ikan Sembilang: A Flavorful Spicy Fish Dish

Balado Ikan Sembilang, also known as Spicy Sembilang Fish, is a delectable Indonesian dish that brings a perfect balance of bold flavors with its spicy, tangy, and savory sauce. This dish is not only rich in taste but also a treat for the senses with its fragrant and aromatic ingredients. Using Ikan Sembilang or catfish, this recipe is a family favorite that can be served with steamed rice or as part of a larger spread. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish at home!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:
   • Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly and then soak it in saltwater for about 1 minute. This helps to tenderize the fish and enhance its flavor.
2. Fry the Fish:
   • Heat enough cooking oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the fish until it is half-cooked, then drain off any excess oil. Set the fish aside.
3. Make the Spice Paste:
   • In a blender, combine the red chilies, candlenuts, garlic, shallots, tomato, and a bit of shrimp paste. Grind these ingredients into a smooth spice paste (bumbu halus).
4. Cook the Spices:
   • Heat a little oil in a pan, and sauté the spice paste along with bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Stir-fry the spices until they release a fragrant aroma.
5. Add the Fried Fish:
   • Once the spices are aromatic, gently add the fried fish into the pan. Stir the fish carefully to ensure it’s well-coated with the spice mixture, taking care not to break the fish apart.
6. Simmer with Liquid:
   • Add water and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the fish is well-coated with the sauce. Simmer on low heat, occasionally stirring to avoid the fish from breaking.
7. Season and Adjust:
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding sugar and salt as needed. Allow the sauce to thicken and reduce slightly. You want the sauce to be a bit sticky and glossy, which will enhance the richness of the dish.
8. Serve:
   • Once the sauce has reduced and the flavors have melded together, serve the Balado Ikan Sembilang while hot. This dish is perfect with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables.
9. Optional:
   • If you prefer, garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness and aroma, which pairs well with the spiciness of the dish.

Tips:

• Fish Selection: Although this recipe calls for Ikan Sembilang (Sembilang or catfish), you can substitute it with other firm fish such as tilapia or snapper if needed.

• Adjusting the Spice: For a milder version, reduce the amount of red chilies, or remove the seeds before blending them into the paste.

• Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish with steamed white rice or as an accompaniment to a traditional Indonesian meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

This Balado Ikan Sembilang recipe is a wonderful way to bring the bold, authentic flavors of Indonesian cuisine to your kitchen. With its rich, spicy sauce and tender fish, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the dish as part of a larger feast or as a flavorful main course!

Selamat menikmati! (Enjoy your meal!)