Ikan Nila Balado (Spicy Fried Tilapia)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 whole tilapia fish | Ikan nila (tilapia) |
| 1 lime (for juicing) | Jeruk nipis |
| To taste | Salt (garam) |
| To taste | Sugar (gula) |
| 1 medium onion | Bawang bombay, thinly sliced |
| 2 kaffir lime leaves | Daun jeruk |
| For the spice paste (bumbu halus) | |
| 12 shallots | Bawang merah |
| 10 cloves garlic | Bawang putih |
| 15 red chilies | Cabe merah |
| 6 bird’s eye chilies | Cabe rawit (adjust to taste) |
| 1 ripe tomato | Tomat (optional, adjust to taste) |
| A thumb-sized piece of ginger | Seruas jahe |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fish:
- Rub the tilapia fish with salt and the juice of 1 lime. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to marinate and absorb the flavors.
-
Fry the Fish:
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the marinated tilapia until they are golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
-
Make the Spice Paste:
- In a blender or food processor, blend together shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, tomato (if using), and ginger until smooth.
-
Cook the Spice Paste:
- In a large pan, heat a little oil and sauté the sliced onion until fragrant. Add the spice paste and continue to sauté until aromatic.
-
Add the Seasoning:
- Add the kaffir lime leaves, a pinch of salt, sugar, and a little instant seasoning or bouillon (Masako). Stir well to combine.
-
Simmer:
- Pour a small amount of water into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Let the spices cook for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and the flavors meld together.
-
Add the Fried Fish:
- Gently add the fried tilapia to the pan, spooning the spicy sauce over the fish. Let it cook for a few more minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
-
Adjust the Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, sugar, or chili if needed.
-
Serve:
- Once the sauce is fully absorbed by the fish, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Ikan Nila Balado warm, garnished with extra kaffir lime leaves if desired.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it a satisfying meal bursting with rich, spicy flavors. The crispy fried tilapia is enveloped in a bold, aromatic sauce that offers a balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes. Perfect for those who enjoy bold and hearty Indonesian dishes!
