Ikan Bumbu Sarden: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish
Ikan Bumbu Sarden is a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases fried fish enveloped in a fragrant and spicy sauce. This recipe beautifully combines the richness of various spices with the freshness of fish, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that can be served alongside steamed rice. Follow this step-by-step guide to create this aromatic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fried dencis fish | 6 whole fish |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Lemongrass (white part only) | 1 stalk, smashed |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (to taste) |
| Chicken bouillon powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Spices | |
| Shallots | 5 bulbs |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Candlenuts | 2 nuts |
| Red bird’s eye chilies | 10 pieces (adjust to taste) |
| Curly red chilies | 4 pieces |
| Large tomatoes | 2 (or 1 tomato + 3 tablespoons ketchup) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ground Spices: Begin by blending or grinding the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, red bird’s eye chilies, and curly red chilies into a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step. This mixture will form the base of your flavorful sauce.
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Heat the Oil: In a large pan or skillet, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to cook the spices without burning them.
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Sauté the Spices: Once the oil is hot, add the ground spice mixture to the pan. Sauté the spices until they become fragrant and are lightly browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
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Add Lemongrass: Next, add the smashed lemongrass to the pan and stir it into the spices, allowing it to release its aromatic oils and flavors.
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Incorporate Water: Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. This will create a lovely base for your sauce.
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Season the Sauce: Once boiling, add the salt, chicken bouillon powder, and sugar. Stir to combine all the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
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Add the Fried Fish: Gently place the fried dencis fish into the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the fish to cook in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce reduce slightly.
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Check for Flavor: After the cooking time, taste the sauce again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The fish should be infused with the aromatic spices.
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Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well combined, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Ikan Bumbu Sarden hot with steamed rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250-300 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fats | 15g |
| Sodium | Varies based on added salt |
Final Thoughts
Ikan Bumbu Sarden is not only a comforting dish, but it also embodies the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Whether enjoyed on a weeknight or served at a gathering, this dish is sure to bring joy to your dining table. Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate and enjoy this aromatic journey!
