Ikan Kembung Balado: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish
Ikan Kembung Balado is a vibrant and spicy dish that showcases the delightful flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This recipe combines the rich taste of mackerel with a fiery chili paste, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for serving with rice. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to create this delicious meal!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mackerel fish (Ikan Kembung) | 1 kg |
| Red chilies (Cabe Merah) | 5 |
| Bird’s eye chilies (Cabe Rawit Orange) | 5 |
| Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 6 |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 4 cloves |
| Galangal (Lengkuas) | 1 piece |
| Salt (Garam) | 2 tsp |
| Sugar (Gula Pasir) | ½ tsp |
| Ground pepper (Lada Bubuk) | 1 tsp |
| Water | As needed |
| Lime (Jeruk Nipis) | 1 ½ |
| Red tomato (Tomat Merah) | ½ |
Nutritional Information
The nutritional values will depend on portion sizes and the specific brands of ingredients used, but generally, this dish is high in protein from the fish and provides a wealth of vitamins from the fresh ingredients.
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Fish: Begin by cleaning the mackerel thoroughly. Once cleaned, marinate the fish with the juice of 1 lime and sprinkle with salt to taste. Allow it to rest for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. |
| 2 | Make the Spice Paste: While the fish is marinating, prepare the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and half a red tomato. Blend until you achieve a coarse paste, ensuring not to blend it too finely to retain some texture. |
| 3 | Prepare the Galangal: Smash or crush the piece of galangal to release its flavors. |
| 4 | Cook the Paste: In a frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste along with the crushed galangal. Stir-fry the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste. |
| 5 | Season the Mixture: Once the paste is aromatic, season with salt, sugar, and ground pepper. Add a small amount of water to help incorporate the flavors and prevent burning. Stir well. |
| 6 | Fry the Fish: In a separate pan, heat oil for frying. Carefully add the marinated mackerel to the hot oil and fry until golden and cooked through, ensuring it remains crispy on the outside. |
| 7 | Combine and Serve: Once the fish is cooked, place it on a serving dish and pour the spicy paste over the top. Garnish with additional lime if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice for a truly authentic experience. |
Tips for Perfecting Your Ikan Kembung Balado
- Choosing Fresh Fish: Always select fresh mackerel for the best flavor. Look for bright eyes and shiny scales.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of bird’s eye chilies, or remove the seeds from the chilies before blending.
- Serving Suggestions: Ikan Kembung Balado pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice and a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a dish that not only bursts with flavor but also reflects the heart and soul of Indonesian culinary traditions. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delightful taste of Ikan Kembung Balado!
