Mujair Nyat-Nyat Recipe by Putu Kintamani
A traditional Balinese dish that is both savory and aromatic, Mujair Nyat-Nyat features crispy fried tilapia infused with a medley of Balinese spices, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal that will transport you to the flavors of Bali!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Tilapia (Mujair) | 1 kg |
| Shallots | 8 cloves |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Bird’s Eye Chili | 10 pieces |
| Turmeric | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Galangal | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Kencur (Aromatic Ginger) | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece |
| Candlenuts | 2 pieces |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk, bruised |
| Bay Leaves | 3 leaves |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Salt | to taste |
| Sugar | to taste |
| Flavoring Seasonings | (e.g., Masako or ground pepper) to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Cooking Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Fish: Clean the tilapia and pat dry. Lightly season with a pinch of salt, then pan-fry until half-cooked. Set aside. |
| 2 | Blend the Spices: Using a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chili, turmeric, galangal, kencur, ginger, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. |
| 3 | Sauté the Spice Paste: In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil. Add the spice paste and stir-fry until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Add bay leaves and bruised lemongrass, continuing to stir until fully aromatic. |
| 4 | Add Water and Seasonings: Pour in 3 cups of water, then add salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste. Stir well. |
| 5 | Simmer the Fish: Add the fried tilapia to the skillet. Reduce the heat and allow the fish to simmer in the sauce, occasionally spooning sauce over the fish to help it absorb the flavors. Cook until the sauce has thickened and infused into the fish. |
| 6 | Serve: Remove from heat once the fish is tender and the sauce has mostly reduced. Serve warm with steamed rice for a delicious Balinese-style meal! |
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime over the fish before serving.
- Adjust the chili quantity to make the dish milder or spicier based on your preference.
Enjoy the exotic flavors of Bali right from your kitchen!
