Balado Ikan Layur: A Spicy Fish Delight 🐟

Balado Ikan Layur, a traditional Indonesian dish, brings a delightful combination of fresh fish and a rich, spicy sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. This recipe showcases the versatility of Ikan Layur, or ribbon fish, but feel free to substitute it with your preferred type of fish for a personal twist. With its vibrant flavors and inviting aroma, this dish pairs perfectly with warm rice, making it an ideal choice for family meals or special occasions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Balado Ikan Layur, along with nutritional information to guide your culinary journey:

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)

Instructions

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation steps to create this irresistible Balado Ikan Layur:

1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the Ikan Layur. Cut the fish into manageable pieces that are easy to cook. Place the fish in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and lemon juice to eliminate any fishy odor. Let it marinate for approximately 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Blend the Spices: While the fish is marinating, it’s time to prepare the spice blend. Use a mortar and pestle or a blender to finely grind the red chilies, shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies (if using), tomato, and smashed galangal. This aromatic mixture will form the base of your dish.

3. Fry the Fish: In a large frying pan, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated fish pieces and fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

4. Sauté the Spice Mixture: In the same pan, discard any excess oil, leaving about two tablespoons for sautéing the spices. Heat the oil over medium heat, then add the ground spice mixture. Stir continuously until fragrant, releasing the delicious aroma into your kitchen.

5. Add the Aromatics: Once the spices are fragrant, add the bay leaves and a splash of water to create a sauce. Incorporate the flavor enhancer, sugar, MSG, and sweet soy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

6. Combine the Fish and Sauce: Gently return the fried fish to the pan, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the spicy sauce. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the fish, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Your Balado Ikan Layur is now ready to be served! Plate the dish alongside steaming hot rice for a complete meal that is sure to impress family and friends. The delightful combination of spicy sauce and tender fish will have everyone coming back for more.

Cooking Tips

• Choose Fresh Fish: Using fresh fish will enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. If Ikan Layur is not available, any white fish like tilapia or snapper works well.

• Adjust Spice Levels: For those who enjoy a milder flavor, reduce the number of chilies or remove the bird’s eye chilies from the recipe.

• Garnish Ideas: Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for an added pop of color and flavor.

Balado Ikan Layur embodies the heart of Indonesian cuisine, inviting you to explore bold flavors and delightful spices. Enjoy this dish not just as a meal but as an experience that celebrates culinary creativity. Happy cooking! 🍽️