Asam Pedas Pija Tenggiri: A Tangy and Spicy Mackerel Delight
Asam Pedas Pija Tenggiri is a flavorful Indonesian dish that beautifully combines the heat of chili with the savory essence of salted mackerel, resulting in a culinary experience that is both comforting and vibrant. This dish features a blend of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and a tangy tamarind sauce that perfectly complements the fish. The recipe is straightforward and can easily be prepared at home, ensuring a delicious meal that pairs wonderfully with warm rice.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted mackerel (ikan asin tenggiri) | 1/4 fish |
| Ground Spices (Bumbu Ulek) | |
| Red bird’s eye chilies (rawit merah) | 20 pieces (or to taste) |
| Large red tomato | 1 piece |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 6 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Tamarind paste (from packaging) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Seasoning (penyedap) | To taste |
| Water | 1/2 glass (for tamarind mixture) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fats | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut the salted mackerel into cubes, rinse several times, and soak briefly to reduce the saltiness. Drain well. |
| 2 | Fry the salted mackerel in hot oil until halfway cooked. Set aside. |
| 3 | Grind all the spices (red chilies, tomato, shallots, and garlic) into a fine paste. |
| 4 | Heat oil in a pan until hot, then sauté the ground spice mixture until fragrant. |
| 5 | Dissolve the tamarind paste in approximately half a glass of water and add the tamarind water to the sautéed spices. |
| 6 | Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the previously fried salted mackerel to the pan. |
| 7 | Season with sugar and additional seasoning according to taste. Stir well and let simmer for a few minutes. |
| 8 | Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat. Serve hot with warm rice for a delightful meal experience! |
Notes
- For seasoning, I prefer to use only salt in the ground chili mixture since the salted mackerel tends to be quite salty even after rinsing or soaking. Always taste before adding more salt to ensure the right balance of flavors.
- Enjoy this dish with steaming hot rice for a satisfying and heartwarming meal!
As you savor the tangy and spicy notes of Asam Pedas Pija Tenggiri, you will surely find yourself reaching for more, making it a perfect dish for sharing with family and friends. Happy cooking!
