Grilled Nila Fish (Nila Bakar)
Dive into the delightful flavors of Nila Bakar, a traditional Indonesian dish featuring grilled Nile fish, marinated in a rich blend of spices and savory sauces. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings a burst of aromatic flavors that make it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Let’s explore how to create this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Nile fish (Nila), cleaned | 2 whole fish |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | 1 tablespoon |
| Oyster sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemongrass, bruised | 1 stalk |
| Galangal, bruised | 1 segment (about 1 inch) |
| Oil and butter for sautéing | Enough for cooking |
| Salt | To taste |
| Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus): | |
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Bird’s eye chili peppers | 6 pieces |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Ginger | 1 cm (about 0.4 inch) |
| Turmeric | 1 cm (about 0.4 inch) |
| Toasted coriander seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Toasted candlenuts (kemiri) | 2 pieces |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chili peppers, ginger, turmeric, ground black pepper, toasted coriander seeds, and toasted candlenuts. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If needed, add a little oil to facilitate blending.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat enough oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the spice paste you just prepared along with the bruised lemongrass and galangal. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is fragrant and the oil begins to separate.
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Mix the Marinade: Stir in the oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and a pinch of salt to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the pan from heat.
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Marinate the Fish: Rub the prepared spice mixture generously over the cleaned Nile fish, ensuring that it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes, giving the spices time to penetrate and infuse the fish with flavor.
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Grill the Fish: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated fish on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with any remaining marinade as it cooks. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
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Serve: Once grilled to perfection, remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve your grilled Nila fish hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lime wedges if desired.
Enjoying Your Nila Bakar
Nila Bakar is a wonderfully flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fresh salads, or pickled vegetables. The combination of the aromatic spice paste and the smoky flavor from the grill creates a delicious experience for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or enjoying a casual family dinner, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home.
Cooking Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice to the marinade or squeezing fresh lime over the grilled fish before serving.
- If grilling isn’t an option, you can also bake the marinated fish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
This delectable Nila Bakar recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic taste of Indonesian cuisine in the comfort of your home. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and savor this delightful dish that beautifully showcases the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. Happy cooking!
