Smoky Mackerel and Stingray Stew
Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish featuring tender pieces of stingray and fried mackerel simmered in a fragrant, spicy coconut sauce. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this recipe combines aromatic spices with a creamy coconut base for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 5 pieces of smoked stingray
- 5 pieces of fried mackerel
- 5 green chilies
- 3 shallots
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 candlenut
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 stalk of lemongrass
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Coconut milk (Kara brand), to taste
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, turmeric, and candlenut into a smooth paste. This will form the aromatic base of your dish.
-
Cook the Spices: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add Aromatics: Incorporate the sliced green chilies, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and ginger into the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Combine Ingredients: Pour in a small amount of water to loosen the mixture. Gently place the smoked stingray and fried mackerel into the skillet. Stir well to coat the fish with the spice mixture. Cover and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
-
Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to combine. Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar according to your taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer over medium heat until the liquid reduces slightly, and the fish is cooked through. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
-
Finish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the fish is tender, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy the vibrant, smoky flavors of this delightful dish, perfect for a comforting meal with family and friends.
