Balado Ikan Bandeng: A Spicy Indonesian Delight
Experience the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delectable Balado Ikan Bandeng, featuring the rich and tender bandeng fish, which is elevated by a vibrant blend of spices. Perfect for a family meal or an impressive dish at gatherings, this recipe invites you to dive into the world of aromatic spices and savory goodness.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 5 pieces | Bandeng fish (Ikan Bandeng) |
| For the spice blend: | |
| 10 | Shallots (Bawang Merah) |
| 8 | Garlic (Bawang Putih) |
| 2 | Tomatoes (Tomat) |
| 10 | Curly chili peppers (Cabe Keriting) |
| To taste | Salt (Garam) |
| To taste | MSG (Motto) |
| To taste | Powdered broth (Kaldu Bubuk) |
| To taste | Sugar (Gula) |
| 2 leaves | Kaffir lime leaves (Daun Jeruk) |
| For frying: | |
| As needed | Cooking oil |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Sodium | Varies with seasoning |
Instructions
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Clean the Fish: Begin by washing the bandeng fish thoroughly under cold running water to ensure they are free of any impurities. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the cleaned fish to the hot oil, frying them until they achieve a lovely golden-brown color on both sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Prepare the Spice Blend: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and curly chili peppers. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. This vibrant mixture is the heart of your balado sauce.
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Cook the Spice Mixture: In the same pan, drain any excess oil, leaving just enough to sauté the spice blend. Add the prepared spice mixture to the pan, cooking it over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine with the Fish: Once the spices are cooked, gently place the fried bandeng fish back into the pan. Sprinkle salt, sugar, MSG, and powdered broth over the fish. Add the kaffir lime leaves for an extra layer of flavor. Carefully toss everything together, ensuring the fish is well-coated with the spicy mixture. Allow the fish to simmer in the spices for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Serve: Transfer the Balado Ikan Bandeng to a serving dish, garnishing it with additional lime leaves if desired. This dish is best enjoyed warm with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Balado Ikan Bandeng is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavors that tell the story of Indonesia’s culinary richness. Whether you’re introducing this dish to your family or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to be a delightful addition to your dining table. Happy cooking!
