Grilled Nile Tilapia with Sweet Spicy Glaze (Nila Bumbu Bakar)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Nile tilapia fish | 3 whole fish |
| Granulated sugar | To taste |
| Palm sugar (Gula Jawa) | 1/2 piece, shaved |
| Sweet soy sauce (Kecap) | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Flavor enhancer (optional) | To taste |
| For the spice paste | |
| Garlic cloves | 5 cloves, peeled |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Clean the fish thoroughly. Squeeze the juice of one lemon or lime over the fish to remove any fishy smell. Rinse well and pat dry. Heat oil in a pan, and fry the fish until golden brown and crispy. Set aside. |
| 2. | Shave the palm sugar (Gula Jawa) into fine pieces, making it easier to melt. |
| 3. | Prepare the spice paste by blending garlic and black pepper until smooth. In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add the shaved palm sugar along with about 1 small glass of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. |
| 4. | Next, add sweet soy sauce (kecap), granulated sugar, salt, and a flavor enhancer (if using). Stir the mixture and let it simmer until it begins to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring it has the right balance of sweetness, saltiness, and spice. |
| 5. | Once the sauce has thickened, carefully add the fried fish into the skillet. Gently turn the fish from side to side to coat them with the sauce. Be cautious not to flip them too frequently as the fish can break apart. Let the sauce fully absorb into the fish for a few minutes. |
| 6. | Once the fish is well-coated and the glaze has soaked in, remove from heat. Serve on a platter and enjoy! |
Serving Suggestion:
This delightful grilled Nile tilapia pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy the combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that will surely impress any guest.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbs | ~18g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
This dish offers a rich and flavorful combination of protein from the tilapia and essential nutrients from the accompanying spices and sauces, perfect for a balanced meal.
