Spicy Indonesian Bandeng Presto with Aromatic Balado Sauce

Balado Bandeng Presto

Balado Bandeng Presto is a delightful Indonesian dish featuring presto-cooked milkfish in a rich, aromatic balado sauce. This recipe brings together the savory flavors of traditional Indonesian spices and fresh ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Ideal for those who love exploring global cuisines, this recipe provides a wonderful way to enjoy the distinct taste of bandeng (milkfish) with a spicy twist.

Ingredients

• 3 small bandeng presto (presto-cooked milkfish)
• 5 red shallots
• 4 garlic cloves
• 10 curly red chilies
• 1 medium tomato
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of turmeric
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 piece of galangal (laos)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass
• Palm sugar (gula jawa) to taste
• Salt to taste
• Oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Blend:
   Begin by blending the red shallots, garlic cloves, curly red chilies, medium tomato, and turmeric into a smooth paste. You can use a blender or a mortar and pestle for this step.

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2. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the blended spice paste along with the bay leaf, galangal (laos), and lemongrass. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Water and Cook:
   Pour a small amount of water into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer until the water starts to reduce, which helps concentrate the flavors.

4. Incorporate the Bandeng:
   Gently add the bandeng to the pan. If you prefer a drier texture, you may choose to fry the bandeng separately before adding it to the sauce. This step is optional based on your texture preference.

5. Season and Simmer:
   Add palm sugar and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Continue to simmer until the liquid has reduced and the sauce has thickened, coating the bandeng well.

6. Serve:
   Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the pan from heat. Transfer the Balado Bandeng Presto to a serving dish and enjoy it with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian meal.

This dish embodies the essence of Indonesian culinary traditions with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Balado Bandeng Presto is perfect for those looking to explore traditional Indonesian recipes or for anyone seeking a unique and flavorful fish dish.