Bandeng Masak Kecap: A Flavorful Indonesian Dish
Embark on a culinary journey with Bandeng Masak Kecap, a delightful Indonesian recipe that showcases the tender, deboned milkfish, harmoniously simmered in a rich and fragrant soy sauce broth. This dish marries the savory umami of soy with the aromatic spices characteristic of Indonesian cuisine, resulting in a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed with steamed rice or as part of a larger feast. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps for this remarkable dish, perfect for both special occasions and everyday dinners.
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | 2 Ekor Ikan Bandeng (2 pieces of milkfish) |
| Oil for Frying | 500 ml Minyak Goreng (cooking oil) for frying |
| Oil for Sautéing | 50 ml Minyak Goreng (cooking oil) for sautéing |
| Water | 600 ml Air (water) |
| Garnish | 2 Batang Daun Bawang (2 stalks of scallions, chopped) |
| Spices | |
|---|---|
| Ground Spices | 4 Siung Bawang Putih (4 cloves of garlic) |
| 5 Siung Bawang Merah (5 shallots) | |
| Sliced Spices | 3 Cabe Merah (3 red chilies, sliced) |
| 5 Cabe Rawit (5 bird’s eye chilies, optional) | |
| 5 cm Lengkuas (5 cm galangal, crushed) | |
| 2 Daun Salam (2 bay leaves) | |
| 3 Daun Jeruk Purut (3 kaffir lime leaves) |
| Seasoning | |
|---|---|
| Sweet Soy Sauce | 5-6 sdm Kecap Manis (5-6 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce, optional) |
| Bouillon Powder | 1 sdt Kaldu Bubuk (1 teaspoon of bouillon powder) |
| Salt | Secukupnya Garam (to taste) |
| Sugar | Secukupnya Gula Pasir (to taste) |
| Flavor Enhancer | Secukupnya Penyedap Rasa (to taste) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-500 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Start by selecting two pieces of milkfish (Ikan Bandeng), known for its tender texture and mild flavor. Clean the fish thoroughly and cut it into your preferred sizes, then drain well. To enhance the flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the fish and set it aside for about 15 minutes.
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Fry the Fish: In a deep pan or skillet, heat 500 ml of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated fish pieces, frying them until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. This process should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and allow them to drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, pour out excess oil, leaving about 50 ml for sautéing. Heat the oil over medium heat and add the ground spices, which include minced garlic and shallots, stirring continuously until fragrant and golden brown. This step will release their aromatic flavors and create a rich base for the dish.
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Simmer the Dish: To the sautéed spices, add the sliced red chilies and bird’s eye chilies if using, along with the crushed galangal, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir the mixture well, allowing the spices to combine for about 2-3 minutes. Next, introduce the fried milkfish back into the pan, gently coating them in the aromatic mixture. Pour in 600 ml of water, followed by the sweet soy sauce and bouillon powder. Season with salt, sugar, and your choice of flavor enhancer to taste.
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Cook and Serve: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. After simmering, add the chopped scallions, stirring to combine. Finally, remove the pan from the heat.
Your Bandeng Masak Kecap is now ready to be served! Plate the fish, spooning some of the rich, aromatic sauce over the top, and garnish with additional scallions if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and is sure to impress family and friends with its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.
Enjoy this delightful Indonesian classic and let the harmonious flavors of Bandeng Masak Kecap transport you to the beautiful islands of Indonesia!
