Ikan Mas Bumbu Tauco: Indonesian Grilled Fish in Spicy Fermented Soybean Sauce
Ikan Mas Bumbu Tauco is a delightful Indonesian dish featuring grilled carp (ikan mas) coated in a flavorful and aromatic sauce made from tauco, a fermented soybean paste, and infused with fragrant herbs and spices. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a satisfying meal that’s both savory and tangy with a touch of sweetness. Let’s dive into how you can make this traditional recipe at home!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carp (Ikan Mas), cleaned and fried | 1 kg (4 pieces) |
| Galangal, crushed | 1 finger-length |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf |
| Kaffir lime leaf | 1 leaf |
| Lemongrass, crushed | 1 stalk (or 2 for small stalks) |
| Tauco (fermented soybean paste) | 3 tbsp |
| Water | 300 ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Chicken seasoning powder (optional) | To taste |
| For the spice paste (bumbu iris) | |
| Red onions, thinly sliced | 6 pieces |
| Garlic, thinly sliced | 4 cloves |
| Red chili peppers, halved | 3 large |
| Green chili peppers, halved | 3 large |
Instructions:
-
Preparation of Ingredients:
Begin by washing and cleaning all the ingredients. Set them aside. -
-
Frying the Fish:
Fry the carp (ikan mas) until golden brown and crispy. Set the fried fish aside, keeping it warm. -
Cooking the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or pan, heat a small amount of oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown, releasing the beautiful aroma of the spices. -
Infusing the Flavor:
Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the crushed galangal, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaf, and lemongrass stalk (crushed). Stir everything together for about a minute to allow the ingredients to release their oils and flavors. -
Adding Tauco and Water:
Add the tauco (fermented soybean paste) and stir it into the aromatic mixture. Then, pour in 300 ml of water, stirring well. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle boil. -
Seasoning the Sauce:
Once the sauce starts to boil, add the halved red and green chilies. Season with salt, sugar, and chicken seasoning powder to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Finishing Touch:
After the sauce has reached the desired flavor, carefully add the fried carp (ikan mas) to the pan. Gently stir the fish in the sauce, ensuring it is coated but not breaking the fish apart. Let the fish cook in the sauce for a couple of minutes until it slightly wilts and the sauce thickens. -
Serving:
Once the sauce has reduced slightly and the fish is fully coated, turn off the heat. Serve the Ikan Mas Bumbu Tauco with a steaming plate of white rice for a fulfilling meal. Enjoy the balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors with every bite!
This Indonesian-inspired dish is packed with rich flavors and easy to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend meal, Ikan Mas Bumbu Tauco is sure to please everyone at the table.
