Sambal Ikan Simba Recipe
Sambal Ikan Simba is a delightful and flavorful Indonesian dish that combines the bold heat of chili peppers with the richness of fried fish, creating a satisfying balance of spicy and savory flavors. Perfect for spice lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike, this recipe will bring the taste of traditional Indonesian cuisine right to your table. Let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan Simba (Simba Fish) | 1/2 kg to 1 kg (as needed) |
| Red Chili Peppers | 300 grams |
| Shallots | 9 cloves |
| Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium-sized |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Oil | For frying |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Prepare the Fish: Begin by cutting the Ikan Simba into medium-sized portions. Lightly season the fish pieces with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Set them aside for a few minutes while you heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the fish until they are half-cooked (golden but not fully done). Set aside the half-cooked fish pieces. |
| 2. | Prepare the Sambal: While the fish rests, it’s time to make the sambal. Take the red chili peppers, shallots, and garlic cloves, and grind them together using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. You can adjust the texture of the sambal to your liking – if you prefer a smooth sambal, grind it finely; for a chunkier texture, grind it coarsely. For this recipe, we recommend a smoother consistency to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. |
| 3. | Slice the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into medium slices. These will be added to the sambal during cooking, providing a nice balance of acidity and sweetness. |
| 4. | Cook the Sambal: In a pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the ground chili mixture along with the sliced tomatoes. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning, and cook until the sambal turns fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Be sure to keep the heat low to medium to avoid overcooking the sambal. |
| 5. | Season the Sambal: As the sambal cooks, season it with salt and sugar according to your taste preference. The sambal should have a nice balance of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. Taste the sambal and adjust the seasoning if necessary. |
| 6. | Add the Fish: Once the sambal is ready and fragrant, gently add the fried fish pieces into the pan. Stir the fish into the sambal, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the spicy mixture. Let the fish cook with the sambal for a few more minutes to ensure the flavors infuse thoroughly. This should take around 5-7 minutes. |
| 7. | Serve and Enjoy: Once the fish is cooked through and fully infused with the sambal, turn off the heat. Serve your Sambal Ikan Simba hot with a side of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. |
Tips for Best Results:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version of the dish, reduce the amount of red chili peppers used, or remove the seeds before grinding the chilies. For a more intense heat, leave the seeds intact and even consider adding a few bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick.
- Frying the Fish: Be cautious not to overcook the fish during the frying process. Frying it only halfway ensures the fish remains tender and moist once combined with the sambal.
- Make Ahead: The sambal can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat the sambal and add freshly fried fish.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like sliced eggplant or green beans to the sambal for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
This Sambal Ikan Simba is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create a rich, bold, and aromatic dish that is sure to impress anyone who loves a touch of spice. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or sharing it with friends, this dish will bring a delightful taste of Indonesia to your table.
