Ikan Kembung Pesmol: A Delightful Indonesian Fish Dish
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Ikan Kembung Pesmol, a beloved Indonesian dish that highlights the succulent taste of mackerel fish, enhanced with a delightful blend of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal. Follow the steps below to create this mouthwatering recipe, which is sure to impress your loved ones with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ikan kembung (mackerel fish) | 5 pieces |
| Cabe keriting (curly chili peppers) | 5 pieces |
| Cabe rawit setan (bird’s eye chili) | 5 pieces |
| Daun salam (bay leaves) | 2 leaves |
| Daun jeruk (lime leaves) | 2 leaves |
| Lengkuas (galangal) | 1 segment |
| Sereh (lemongrass) | 1 stalk |
| Garam (salt) | To taste |
| Gula pasir (granulated sugar) | To taste |
| Tomat (tomato) | 1 piece |
| Spices to be ground: | |
| Cabe keriting (curly chili peppers) | 5 pieces |
| Bawang merah (red onion) | 7 pieces |
| Bawang putih (garlic) | 2 cloves |
| Kunyit (turmeric) | 1 segment |
| Jahe (ginger) | 1 segment |
| Kemiri (candlenuts) | 3 pieces |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Preparation Steps
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Prepare the Fish: Begin by thoroughly washing the ikan kembung, ensuring that all innards are removed. After cleaning, rub the fish with salt and squeeze some fresh lime juice over them to eliminate any fishy odor. Allow the fish to marinate for about 10 minutes.
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Fry the Fish: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated fish into the pan and fry until they turn golden and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: While the fish is frying, it’s time to prepare the spice blend. Use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to grind the spices: cabe keriting, bawang merah, bawang putih, kunyit, jahe, and kemiri into a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In a separate pan, add a little oil and sauté the ground spice mixture over medium heat. Cook the spices until the raw aroma dissipates and the mixture becomes fragrant, which should take around 5 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the spice paste is fragrant, add the daun salam, daun jeruk, and the bruised sereh and lengkuas to the pan. Stir well and pour in a little water, allowing the spices to simmer. Season with salt and sugar to taste; remember to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
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Add the Fish: Carefully add the fried ikan kembung into the pan with the sautéed spices. Add the cabe rawit and sliced tomato on top, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cover the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes until the fish absorbs the spices.
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Serve: Once everything is well combined and the fish is heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the ikan kembung pesmol to a serving dish, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired. This dish is best served warm with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Perfecting Ikan Kembung Pesmol
- Choosing the Fish: Fresh ikan kembung is key to a delicious pesmol. Look for fish with bright eyes and shiny skin.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of cabe rawit to suit your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the quantity or omit them entirely.
- Enhancing Flavor: Adding a splash of tamarind juice or a dash of vinegar can add a lovely tanginess to the dish, complementing the richness of the fish.
Conclusion
Ikan Kembung Pesmol is not just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine through its rich flavors and inviting aroma. This dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed on any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. With its simple preparation and exquisite taste, this recipe will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the delightful flavors of Indonesia with this wonderful dish!
