Fiery Mackerel Sambal: Easy Indonesian Spicy Fish Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 whole mackerel fish (ikan kembung)

For the Spice Paste:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• 8 red bird’s eye chilies (cabe kriting)

For Sliced Chilies:

• 10 red chili peppers (cabe rawit merah) or to taste
• 1 large green chili (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Seasoning, to taste (e.g., Royco seasoning)
• Cooking oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the mackerel thoroughly and cut into 2 pieces or as desired. Rub with salt and let it sit for 5 minutes.
   • Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden and crispy. Once cooked, remove and set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • While the fish is frying, blend the garlic, shallots, and red bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste.
   • Slice the red chili peppers and green chili (if using) into thin rings.

3. Cook the Sambal:

   • In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant.
   • Add the sliced chilies and season with salt and seasoning (e.g., Royco seasoning) to taste.
   • Stir and cook until the sambal is well-cooked and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Once the sambal is ready, add the fried fish pieces into the pan and gently mix to coat the fish with the sambal.
   • Turn off the heat and serve the sambal kembung pedas hot.

Enjoy this easy and delicious spicy mackerel sambal with steamed rice or as a flavorful side dish. Happy cooking! 😄