Kembung Acar Kuning: A Delightful Indonesian Pickled Mackerel Dish
Kembung Acar Kuning, an Indonesian dish with vibrant flavors and a tangy twist, features fried mackerel in a rich, yellow pickling sauce. This recipe brings together the robust tastes of traditional spices and fresh vegetables, creating a unique and delicious meal. Here’s how you can recreate this flavorful dish at home:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg mackerel (kembung)
- 10 whole bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- For the spice paste:
- 10 shallots (bawang merah)
- 8 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 4 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 2 cm turmeric (kunyit)
- 2 cm galangal, crushed (laos)
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 1 stalk lemongrass, crushed (serai)
- For the seasoning:
- Vinegar, to taste
- 2 tamarind slices (mata asem)
- Salt, to taste
- Chicken seasoning powder (motto), to taste
- Bouillon powder, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- For the fish coating:
- 3 shallots (bawang merah)
- 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 1 piece turmeric (kunyit)
- Salt, to taste
- Chicken seasoning powder (motto), to taste
- Sugar, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mackerel:
- Clean the mackerel thoroughly. Season with salt, finely chopped shallots, garlic, and turmeric. Fry the fish until crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, and turmeric into a smooth paste. Set aside.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and cooked through.
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Prepare the Pickling Sauce:
- Add water to the sautéed spice paste and stir. Season with salt, chicken seasoning powder, bouillon powder, and sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil.
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Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Once boiling, add the sliced carrot, cucumber, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Stir well and cook until the vegetables are tender.
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Finish the Dish:
- Add vinegar and tamarind slices. Stir to combine. Then, gently add the fried mackerel to the sauce. Mix well to coat the fish with the pickling sauce.
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Add Final Touches:
- Place the whole bird’s eye chilies and sliced tomatoes on top. Stir to distribute evenly.
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Serve:
- Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well incorporated and heated through. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.
Enjoy this flavorful Kembung Acar Kuning as a delicious side or main dish, perfect for any meal. Its unique combination of spices and pickling elements makes it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal! 😁