Spicy Balinese Fried Tilapia (Ikan Nila Bumbu Bali) Recipe

Ikan Nila Bumbu Bali Recipe: A Spicy Balinese Fish Dish

If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish, then this Ikan Nila Bumbu Bali recipe is a must-try! This traditional Balinese-style fish combines the tender flesh of tilapia (ikan nila) with a rich, spicy, and aromatic bumbu bali sauce that bursts with tropical flavors. Serve this delightful dish with a side of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Fish Marinade (to be blended)

Bumbu Bali Sauce (to be blended)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tilapia:

   • Clean the tilapia thoroughly, removing all the innards. Rinse it under cold running water and pat dry with a paper towel.
   • Blend together the ingredients for the fish marinade (garlic, turmeric, ginger, coriander seeds, and salt), adding a bit of water to make a smooth paste.
   • Rub the fish with the marinade paste, making sure to coat it evenly. Let the fish marinate for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

2. Fry the Tilapia:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated tilapia until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside to drain any excess oil.

3. Prepare the Bumbu Bali Sauce:

   • In a separate pan, heat a little oil and sauté the blended Bumbu Bali spice paste until fragrant and the raw smell dissipates.
   • Add the diced tomatoes, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, galangal, lemongrass, and bird’s eye chilies. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the flavors meld together.
   • Squeeze in the lime juice and pour in about 100 ml of water (you can adjust the amount depending on how saucy you want the dish to be).
   • Season with salt and a bit of seasoning (optional), then stir well and let the sauce simmer over medium heat until it slightly reduces and thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Combine the Fish with the Sauce:

   • Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Gently place the fried tilapia into the pan with the sauce, carefully turning the fish to coat it evenly with the bumbu bali.
   • Allow the fish to absorb the sauce for a few minutes before serving.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the fish to a serving plate, making sure to drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with extra kaffir lime leaves or freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
   • Serve your Ikan Nila Bumbu Bali hot with a bowl of steamed rice and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This delicious Balinese fish dish, Ikan Nila Bumbu Bali, is perfect for a family meal, bursting with the exotic flavors of lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili. The crispy fried tilapia paired with the rich bumbu bali sauce creates an unforgettable combination that will transport your taste buds straight to the tropical island of Bali.

Enjoy preparing and sharing this incredible recipe, and don’t forget to check out more amazing Indonesian dishes on Love with Recipes, where we celebrate the joy of cooking every day!