Sambalado Aceh Ikan Kembung: A Flavorful Delight

Sambalado Aceh Ikan Kembung is a vibrant dish that beautifully showcases the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This recipe combines the tender meat of mackerel fish with a spicy and aromatic sauce, creating a delightful experience that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Let’s embark on this culinary journey!

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

500 grams of mackerel fish (ikan kembung)
2 limes (jeruk nipis)
10 red curly chilies (cabe kriting merah)
5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah)
8 large shallots (bawang merah)
2 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
2 fresh red tomatoes (tomat merah segar)
3 dried belimbing sayur (asam sunti)
Cooking oil (minyak goreng)
Salt (secukupnya)
1/4 teaspoon flavor enhancer (penyedap rasa)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by thoroughly washing the mackerel fish. Cut the fish into pieces according to your preference, then rub them with salt and the juice of one lime. Allow the fish to marinate for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Blend the Spices

In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the red curly chilies, 5 shallots, garlic, and dried belimbing sayur. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Set aside the remaining shallots for frying later.

Step 3: Fry the Fish

Heat an adequate amount of cooking oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, gently fry the marinated mackerel pieces until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Do not use the leftover frying oil for the next step, as we will be preparing the spice mixture.

Step 4: Sauté the Shallots

In the same pan, add a little fresh cooking oil and heat it again. Once hot, add the sliced shallots and fry until they are golden and fragrant. This step adds an aromatic base to your sambalado.

Step 5: Cook the Spice Mixture

Add the blended spice paste to the pan with the sautéed shallots. Stir well and let it cook until the spices become fragrant. Add salt and the flavor enhancer according to your taste preferences.

Step 6: Combine the Fish with the Spices

Once the spice mixture is cooked, gently add the fried mackerel to the pan. Toss everything together until the fish is well-coated with the flavorful sauce, allowing the spices to soak into the fish. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the pan from heat and your Sambalado Aceh Ikan Kembung is now ready to be served! This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with warm steamed rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Enjoy!

Sambalado can be enjoyed as a centerpiece for your dining table or a special dish for gatherings. Its robust flavors and inviting aroma are sure to impress your family and friends alike. Happy cooking!