Balado Ikan Kembung (Mackerel in Spicy Balado Sauce)
Balado Ikan Kembung is a deliciously spicy Indonesian dish, where crispy fried mackerel is coated with a vibrant Balado sauce made from red chilies, shallots, and tomatoes. This recipe brings together bold flavors and a hint of tanginess from lime juice, making it an ideal dish for those who enjoy a spicy kick with their meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh mackerel (ikan kembung) | 600 grams, cleaned |
| Cooking oil | Sufficient for frying |
| Green onions (daun bawang tombak) | 5 stalks, sliced |
| Tomato | 1, sliced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Lime juice | A few drops for marinating |
For the Balado Spice Paste (Haluskan):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red curly chilies (cabe merah keriting) | 10 |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 4 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 2 cloves |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 320 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Season the cleaned mackerel with a sprinkle of salt and a few drops of fresh lime juice. Let the fish marinate for approximately 15 minutes. This step will help to eliminate any fishy odor and add a slight tangy flavor to the fish.
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Fry the Fish: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated fish. Fry until golden and crispy on both sides. Remove the fish from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Balado Sauce:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced green onions and tomato until they soften and release their aroma.
- Add the Balado spice paste (made by blending the red chilies, shallots, garlic, and salt until smooth) to the pan. Cook until the paste is fragrant and slightly oily, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Adjust the taste with a pinch of sugar to balance the spiciness.
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Serve: Arrange the fried fish on a serving plate, then generously spoon the Balado sauce over the fish. The sauce should evenly coat the fish, infusing it with rich flavors.
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Enjoy: Serve warm with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
This Balado Ikan Kembung recipe is an authentic Indonesian delight that combines crispy fried mackerel with a tangy, spicy sauce. It’s the perfect choice for a dinner that’s packed with robust flavors!
