Indonesian Mackerel in Tauco Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg mackerel (ikan kembung)
• 1 lime
• 10 petai beans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis, optional)
• 3 tablespoons tauco (fermented soybean paste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass (bruised)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 2 slices galangal (bruised)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon bouillon powder (optional)
• 5 shallots (thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
• 3 green chilies (or use red chilies if unavailable)
• 15 green bird’s eye chilies

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Clean the mackerel thoroughly. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish and let it sit for 10 minutes to reduce the fishy smell. Rinse the fish again and coat it lightly with salt (use coarse salt if available).

2. Fry the Fish:

   • Heat some oil in a pan and fry the fish until it is half-cooked. Do not over-fry the fish as it can become too dry. Once done, set the fish aside.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In the same pan, heat a little oil. Add the sliced shallots, garlic, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, tomato, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • Add enough water to the pan to create a broth (adjust according to your preference for a more or less soupy consistency). Bring to a boil, then add the tauco, teriyaki sauce, sweet soy sauce, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Gently add the fried fish back into the pan and stir carefully to coat the fish with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once the flavors are balanced, turn off the heat.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and enjoy your Ikan Kembung Kuah Tauco hot, paired with steamed rice.

This delightful Indonesian dish brings together the rich flavors of fermented soybean paste, aromatic spices, and tender mackerel to create a comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its unique blend of ingredients and tantalizing taste. Enjoy the savory broth and the perfectly cooked fish in every bite. Bon appétit!