Kembung Masak Tauco: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Kembung Masak Tauco, a traditional Indonesian dish that brings together succulent fried mackerel (ikan kembung) with a vibrant medley of spices and tauco. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also makes for a delightful meal paired with steaming hot rice. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious recipe at home.

Ingredients

To prepare Kembung Masak Tauco, gather the following ingredients:

3 whole mackerel (ikan kembung), cleaned and sliced in half, then fried until golden brown
5 shallots (bawang merah), thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves (bawang putih), thinly sliced
4 large green chilies (cabe ijo), diagonally sliced
5 curly red chilies (cabe merah keriting), diagonally sliced
5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit merah), diagonally sliced
1 bunch of petai (stink beans)
2-3 bay leaves (daun salam)
1 stalk of lemongrass (sereh), bruised
1 piece of galangal (lengkuas)
1 piece of ginger (jahe)
50-100 ml of water
2 tablespoons of tauco (fermented soybean paste)
A pinch of sugar and salt to taste
1/2 tomato, chopped

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics

Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots, garlic, and all the chilies into the pan. Sauté the mixture until the ingredients are soft and fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Incorporate the Tauco

Once the aromatics have turned a lovely golden color, add the tauco to the pan, followed by the water. Stir in a pinch of sugar and salt, ensuring the mixture is well combined. This step enhances the umami flavor that tauco brings to the dish.

Step 3: Combine with Fried Fish

Next, gently add the fried mackerel into the pan along with the chopped tomato and petai. Carefully stir the ingredients together, ensuring the fish is well coated with the flavorful sauce. Take care not to break the fish apart during this process.

Step 4: Final Touches

Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or sugar to achieve your desired flavor profile. Once satisfied, let the dish simmer for a few minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Kembung Masak Tauco is best enjoyed hot, served alongside a generous portion of steamed rice. This dish not only showcases the delightful flavors of Indonesian cuisine but also makes for a satisfying meal that will leave your family and friends wanting more.

Conclusion

This recipe for Kembung Masak Tauco is an inviting reflection of Indonesia’s culinary heritage, combining fresh ingredients and robust flavors into a single dish that is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bring this delightful dish to your dining table!