Pindang Bandeng: A Delightful Indonesian Mackerel Dish
Pindang Bandeng is a cherished Indonesian recipe that beautifully showcases the flavors of marinated mackerel (ikan bandeng), simmered in a fragrant broth infused with a medley of spices. This dish not only delivers a burst of flavor but also embodies the warmth of home-cooked meals, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mackerel fish (ikan bandeng) | 2 whole, cleaned |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, sliced |
| Shallots | 2 cloves, sliced |
| Red chili peppers (cabe merah) | To taste, sliced |
| Bird’s eye chili (cabe rawit) | To taste, sliced |
| Ginger | 1 thumb-sized piece, thinly sliced |
| Turmeric | 1 thumb-sized piece, thinly sliced |
| Galangal | 1 thumb-sized piece, crushed |
| Lemongrass | 1 stalk, crushed |
| Curcuma leaves (daun kunyit) | 1 leaf, tied into a knot |
| Kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk) | 3 leaves |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 2 leaves |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) | To taste |
| Cooking oil | For sautΓ©ing |
| Green or red tomatoes | To taste, sliced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Water | 600 ml |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | Varies based on salt |
Instructions
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Marinate the Fish: Begin by marinating the cleaned mackerel with fresh lime juice for about 15 minutes. This step helps to eliminate any fishy odor. After marinating, rinse the fish under cold water and set aside.
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SautΓ© the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and garlic, sautΓ©ing until they become fragrant and translucent. Then, introduce the crushed lemongrass, galangal, ginger, turmeric, and both types of chilies. Stir-fry the mixture until the aroma fills your kitchen.
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Simmer the Broth: Pour in 600 ml of water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully add the marinated mackerel to the pan. Season the broth with salt, sugar, ground black pepper, and sweet soy sauce according to your taste preference.
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Cook Until Done: Allow the fish to simmer in the broth until fully cooked and the flavors meld beautifully, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Just before serving, add the sliced tomatoes and let them cook briefly to soften.
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Final Adjustments: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
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Serve: Gently lift the fish from the pan and serve it on a large plate, drizzling the aromatic broth over the top. Garnish with additional herbs or chilies if desired. Enjoy your Pindang Bandeng warm with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.
This Pindang Bandeng recipe brings a delightful taste of Indonesia to your dining table, enveloping your senses in a warm embrace of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. Itβs not just a meal; itβs a celebration of culture and tradition, inviting everyone to share in the experience. Enjoy the journey of creating and savoring this exquisite dish!
