Nila Sambel Tempoyak: A Flavorful Delight
Ingredients
- 2 whole Nile tilapia, cleaned
- Spices:
- 15 red chilies
- 4 shallots
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tempoyak (fermented durian)
- Salt and sugar to taste
- Water, as needed
- Oil, for frying and sautéing
Preparation Steps
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Fry the Fish: Begin by frying the cleaned Nile tilapia until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oil and set aside to drain excess oil.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle, grind together the red chilies, shallots, and garlic until you achieve a smooth paste, allowing the fragrant aromas to meld beautifully.
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Sauté the Spices: In a pan, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground spice mixture and sauté until it releases a tantalizing aroma, signaling that the flavors have developed perfectly.
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Incorporate Tempoyak: Add the tempoyak to the sautéed spices, stirring well to combine. This will impart a unique, savory depth to the dish.
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Season to Taste: Sprinkle in a bit of sugar and salt to balance the flavors, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the dish’s overall profile.
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Add Water: Pour in a little water to create a sauce, and adjust the seasoning as necessary to achieve your desired taste.
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Combine with Fish: Gently place the fried tilapia into the pan, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. Stir carefully to combine, allowing the fish to absorb the delightful flavors.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Serve your Nila Sambel Tempoyak hot, and prepare to savor every bite of this delicious dish.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience, combining the rich flavors of tempoyak with perfectly fried fish. Enjoy this dish with steamed rice for a truly delightful meal!