Nila Bakar Bumbu Padang

Discover the delicious flavors of Nila Bakar Bumbu Padang, a traditional Indonesian dish that beautifully showcases the succulent tilapia fish marinated in a rich and aromatic spice blend. Perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor, this dish will be a highlight at any gathering or family meal.

Ingredients

• For the Fish:
  • 4 whole tilapia fish (ikan nila)
  • 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
• For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):
  • 6 shallots (bawang merah)
  • 4 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
  • 10 red chilies (cabe merah)
  • 17 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
  • 1 small piece of turmeric (kunyit)
  • 3 small pieces of ginger (jahe)
  • 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander (ketumbar bubuk)
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (santan)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper (lada)
  • Salt to taste (secukupnya)
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
  • 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
  • 2 stalks lemongrass (serai, bruised)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Begin by marinating the tilapia with lime juice, allowing it to soak briefly before rinsing thoroughly. Sprinkle salt over the fish and let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

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2. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste ingredients—shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, turmeric, ginger, and candlenuts—along with the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and bruised lemongrass. Cook until fragrant, ensuring the spices release their full aroma.

3. Add the Coconut Milk:
   Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens and reduces slightly.

4. Marinate the Fish:
   Coat the tilapia with some of the prepared spice paste, ensuring each fish is generously covered. Let the fish marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the flesh.

5. Grill the Fish:
   Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over low heat and add a touch of margarine. Place the marinated tilapia onto the skillet and grill gently. Flip the fish carefully, basting with more spice paste, and repeat for the other side until perfectly cooked and slightly charred.

Serving Suggestion

Serve your Nila Bakar Bumbu Padang hot, accompanied by steamed rice and a fresh salad. This dish not only showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine but also brings a delightful experience to your dining table, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast. Enjoy the aromatic flavors and tender fish that will surely impress your family and friends!