Ikan Bawal Goreng Mentega, or Fried Pomfret with Butter Sauce, is a popular Indonesian dish known for its delectable combination of crispy fried fish and a rich, savory butter sauce. This recipe transforms the simple pomfret into an impressive dish with layers of flavor that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s how you can prepare this flavorful dish right at home.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
- 1 whole pomfret (ikan bawal), cleaned and scored
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon oil for sautéing
- Optional: Sliced chili peppers for added heat
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish:
- Season the cleaned and scored pomfret generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fish until it is golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Make the Butter Sauce:
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato ketchup, and granulated sugar to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and stir in the margarine until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
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Combine and Serve:
- Pour the prepared butter sauce over the fried pomfret. If desired, garnish with sliced chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the crispy fish topped with the luscious, buttery sauce.
This Ikan Bawal Goreng Mentega recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal that brings a touch of Indonesian flavor to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish promises to deliver both taste and presentation with its crispy fish and rich sauce. Enjoy!