Balado Spiced Mackerel (Ikan Cue Tongkol Balado)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mackerel fish fillets | 10 pieces |
| Salt | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 tablespoon |
👉 For the Spice Paste 👈
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 5 cloves |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Large red chilies | 3 pieces |
| Curly red chilies (for more heat) | 5 pieces (add more for spicier taste) |
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Begin by frying the mackerel fillets in a hot pan until they reach a half-golden hue—almost fully cooked but not quite.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, and chilies until smooth. (For a more traditional approach, you can grind these ingredients with a mortar and pestle for a slightly coarser texture.)
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Cook the Spice Paste: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the blended spice paste until it releases its aroma and becomes half-cooked.
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Season and Combine: Add the salt and sugar to the skillet, adjusting to taste. Stir well to blend the flavors. Once the seasoning is balanced, add the fried mackerel fillets, stirring to coat the fish thoroughly with the spice paste.
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Simmer and Serve: Continue cooking until the spice paste is fully absorbed by the fish and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat, serve warm with rice, and enjoy!
