Sambal Balado with Shrimp, Tempe, and Ikan Dencis
Sambal Balado is a flavorful and spicy Indonesian dish that brings together a delightful combination of savory ingredients with a spicy sambal sauce. In this version, we marry the rich flavors of shrimp, tempe, and ikan dencis with the heat of red chilies, creating a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect to serve with steamed rice. The ingredients are cooked together with a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a balanced, rich, and slightly tangy dish that will please any lover of Indonesian cuisine. Here’s how to make this vibrant and delicious Sambal Balado with Shrimp, Tempe, and Ikan Dencis.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe | 1 piece (about 200g) |
| Shrimp (peeled) | 1/4 cup (about 100g) |
| Ikan Dencis (small fish) | 1/4 cup (about 100g) |
| Red Shallots (Bawang Merah) | 3 cloves |
| Garlic (Bawang Putih) | 2 cloves |
| Red Chilies (Cabai Merah) | 1/2 oz (approx. 100g) |
| Tomato | 1 medium-sized |
| Salt (Garam) | To taste |
| Sugar (Gula) | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
| Oil (Minyak) | For frying and sautéing |
Instructions
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Fry the Fish: Begin by frying the ikan dencis in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove and set aside to drain excess oil.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: While the fish is frying, prepare the spice paste. Blend the red shallots, garlic, red chilies, and tomato until smooth. You can use a food processor or mortar and pestle for this step.
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Sauté the Paste: In a large pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.
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Cook the Shrimp and Tempe: Next, add the shrimp to the pan and sauté briefly until they turn pink and start to cook. Then, add the tempe, breaking it into small pieces if necessary, and stir well to combine with the spices.
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Add the Fried Fish: Once the shrimp and tempe are well-mixed with the sambal paste, add the fried ikan dencis to the pan. Stir everything together gently so that the flavors meld together evenly.
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Season the Dish: Season the dish with salt and sugar according to your taste. Add a little water to help form a light sauce that coats the ingredients well. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and the dish to heat through completely.
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Serve: Once everything is cooked and the flavors are well combined, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a side dish to accompany other Indonesian delights.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Tips for a Perfect Sambal Balado
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chilies. For an extra kick, feel free to add more.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tempe and high-quality shrimp will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
- Customize the Protein: If you don’t have ikan dencis, you can substitute with other small fish like anchovies, or even tofu for a vegetarian variation.
Enjoy this vibrant Indonesian dish that is packed with flavor and spice! Whether served as a side dish or a main course, Sambal Balado with Shrimp, Tempe, and Ikan Dencis is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
