Spicy Sweet Cakalang Fish Floss Recipe

Welcome to the delightful world of Abon Ikan Cakalang ala Bumil, a dish that brings together the unique flavors of spicy and sweet to create an irresistible fish floss. This recipe showcases the rich taste of Cakalang fish, often known for its meaty texture and savory profile, making it perfect for serving with warm rice or as a flavorful topping on various dishes. Prepare yourself to indulge in this delectable, fragrant, and slightly spicy dish that’s not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

1. Clean the Fish: Start by thoroughly cleaning the Cakalang fish. Remove any scales or unwanted parts, and rinse under cold water to ensure it is clean.
2. Shred the Fish: Once cleaned, shred the fish into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded fish in a bowl and squeeze the juice of one lemon over it. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Set this aside to marinate for a short while.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mixture

3. Chop the Vegetables: Clean the tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and both types of chili (bird’s eye and red chili). Once cleaned, blend them all together into a fine paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

4. Heat the Oil: In a pan, heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil over medium heat for frying.
5. Fry the Shredded Fish: Add the marinated shredded fish to the hot oil and fry until it turns golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

6. Sauté the Spice Paste: In the same pan, use a bit of the remaining oil to sauté the spice paste you made earlier. Add the liquid brown sugar, along with salt and granulated sugar, to taste. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and reduces, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Cool the Sauce: Once the sauce is ready and has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

8. Mix the Fish with the Sauce: Once the sauce has cooled down, combine it with the fried fish in a large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the fish pieces are well coated in the spicy-sweet sauce.
9. Drain Excess Oil: After mixing, let the fish floss sit for a moment, allowing any excess oil to drain out. This step is crucial for achieving a crunchy texture in your finished dish.

Step 6: Serve and Store

10. Ready to Serve: Your spicy sweet Cakalang fish floss is now ready to be served! It pairs beautifully with hot steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful snack.
11. Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in a clean, dry airtight container. The fish floss can last several days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Final Thoughts

The Spicy Sweet Cakalang Fish Floss is not just a culinary treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that can transport you to a world of taste and tradition. With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, this dish is perfect for gatherings or as a delightful addition to your everyday meals. Whether served warm with freshly cooked rice or as a topping for sandwiches and salads, it promises to bring joy to your dining table. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with family and friends, allowing them to relish the wonderful flavors of Indonesia right at home! 😊