Crispy Fried Snapper with Zesty Sambal Matah

Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Dish

Indulging in the flavors of Indonesian cuisine is a journey filled with vibrant ingredients and unforgettable tastes. One such dish that encapsulates the essence of this culinary paradise is Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah, which features freshwater snapper fried to perfection and topped with a zesty sambal matah. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion, allowing you to savor the delightful combination of fish and fresh sambal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to prepare Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah:

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah:

1. Prepare the Fish: Start by thoroughly cleaning the freshwater snapper. Once cleaned, rub the fish with crushed garlic, salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. Allow it to marinate for about 30 minutes so that the flavors penetrate the fish.

2. Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the marinated fish to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

3. Prepare the Sambal Matah: While the fish is frying, prepare the sambal matah. Dice the ripe tomato and place it in a mixing bowl. Thinly slice the shallots and add them to the bowl along with the curly red chili and bird’s eye chili, adjusting the quantity based on your heat preference. Finely slice the white part of the lemongrass (the bulb) and add it to the mixture.

4. Season the Sambal: Season the sambal mixture with salt to taste and drizzle with fresh lime juice. Finally, pour in a few tablespoons of the hot oil from frying the fish to enhance the flavors and create a rich, aromatic sambal.

5. Serve: Your Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah is now ready to be served! Place the crispy fried fish on a serving platter and generously spoon the sambal matah over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own for a refreshing meal.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and preparation methods, here is an estimated breakdown per serving:

This delightful dish of Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah promises not only to tantalize your taste buds but also to bring a touch of Indonesian culture to your dining table. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the perfect balance of spicy and tangy notes that make this dish a must-try for any culinary enthusiast!