Crispy White Pomfret with Zesty Sambal Matah

Crispy Bawal Fish with Sambal Matah

Delight in the crispy, golden goodness of Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah, a dish that beautifully combines the delicate flavors of fried fish with the vibrant and spicy zest of Sambal Matah. This Indonesian recipe brings a burst of freshness and a touch of heat to your table, perfect for an enjoyable meal with family and friends. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

For the Fish:

• 2 whole white pomfret (bawal putih)
• Fish Marinade:
  • 1 stalk turmeric (kunyit)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
  • Seasoning powder to taste

For the Sambal Matah:

• 1 tomato, diced small
• 2 curly red chilies (cabe keriting), thinly sliced
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), thinly sliced
• 4 shallots (bawang merah), thinly sliced
• 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
• 4 tablespoons fish stock oil (minyak goreng kaldu ikan)
• 1 stalk lemongrass (serai), thinly sliced
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Start by finely grinding the turmeric and garlic to create a smooth paste. Add salt and seasoning powder to taste.
   • Rub this marinade generously all over the white pomfret. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish, ensuring it’s well-coated.
   • Allow the fish to marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Prepare the Sambal Matah:

   • While the fish is marinating, prepare the sambal matah. Dice the tomato into small pieces and slice the curly red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, and shallots thinly.
   • In a bowl, combine the diced tomato, sliced chilies, shallots, and lemongrass.
   • Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and mix well.
   • Heat the fish stock oil until it’s hot, then pour it over the sambal mixture. Stir to combine and let it sit to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Fry the Fish:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated fish in the pan.
   • Fry the fish until it becomes crispy and golden brown on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish.
   • Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and let it drain on paper towels.

4. Assemble and Serve:

   • Place the crispy fried fish on a serving platter.
   • Generously spoon the sambal matah over the fish, allowing the vibrant flavors to infuse the crispy exterior.
   • Serve the Bawal Goreng Sambal Matah with warm steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

This dish captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine with its balance of crispy texture and tangy-spicy sambal. Enjoy the delicious harmony of flavors in every bite!