Spicy Indonesian Balado Pomfret Recipe

Spicy Balado Pomfret

Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 500 grams sea pomfret

Spice Paste:

• 8 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tomato
• 12 red chilies
• Bird’s eye chilies, to taste (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste

For Marinating the Fish:

• Coriander, to taste
• Shallots, to taste
• Garlic, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Vinegar or lime juice, for soaking the fish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Rinse the sea pomfret thoroughly under cold water.
   • Rub the fish with vinegar or lime juice and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This helps to remove any fishy odor and tenderize the fish.

2. Marinate the Fish:

   • In a blender or mortar and pestle, grind together the coriander, shallots, garlic, salt, and sugar until you get a smooth paste.
   • Coat the fish evenly with this spice paste and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

3. Fry the Fish:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the marinated fish until it is cooked through and golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4. Prepare the Balado Sauce:

   • In a blender or food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, tomato, and red chilies until smooth.
   • In a separate frying pan, heat a little oil over low heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the bay leaves, salt, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Once the sauce is aromatic and well-cooked, gently add the fried fish into the pan.
   • Coat the fish thoroughly with the sauce and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   • Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Serve the spicy Balado Pomfret hot with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables.

Tips for a Perfect Dish:

• Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of bird’s eye chilies used.
• Ensure the fish is marinated long enough to absorb the flavors but not too long to maintain its texture.
• Serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg

This Spicy Balado Pomfret brings together the fiery flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine with the tender, flaky texture of sea pomfret. Perfect for a family meal, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant color and robust taste. Enjoy the authentic taste of Indonesia right in your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.