Spicy Indonesian Fried Tilapia (Ikan Nila Balado) Recipe

Ikan Nila Balado: A Spicy Indonesian Delight

Ikan Nila Balado is a vibrant and flavorful Indonesian dish that showcases the deliciousness of fried tilapia paired with a spicy, aromatic sauce. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also brings the authentic taste of Indonesia to your dining table. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, let’s dive into the preparation of this delightful dish.

Ingredients

To create a mouthwatering Ikan Nila Balado, gather the following ingredients:

• 6 whole tilapia fish (ikan nila)
• 1 lime (jeruk nipis)
• Salt and sugar to taste
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced (bawang bombay)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)

For the Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):

• 12 shallots (bawang merah)
• 10 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
• 15 red chilies (cabe merah)
• 6 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), adjust to taste
• 1 tomato (optional, adjust to taste)
• A small piece of ginger (jahe)

Steps to Prepare

1. Prepare the Fish:
   Start by cleaning the tilapia thoroughly. Rub each fish with salt and the juice of one lime, ensuring it’s well coated. Let the fish sit for a few moments to absorb the flavors while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Fry the Fish:
   In a frying pan, heat enough oil to submerge the fish. Once the oil is hot, gently place the fish into the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and fully cooked, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the fish and set them aside to drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Spice Paste:
   In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, tomato, and ginger. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. This fragrant mixture is the heart of the Balado sauce.

4. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same pan used for frying, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the sliced onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the blended spice paste and the kaffir lime leaves. Cook this mixture over medium heat until it becomes aromatic and the oil starts to separate from the paste, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

5. Combine the Ingredients:
   Season the spice mixture with sugar, salt, and a touch of instant seasoning (masako) to enhance the flavors. Add a small amount of water to create a sauce-like consistency, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Add the Fried Fish:
   Carefully place the fried tilapia into the pan with the spice mixture. Gently toss to coat the fish in the sauce, ensuring each piece is enveloped in the spicy goodness. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and let it simmer for a few minutes so that the flavors meld together beautifully.

7. Final Touches:
   After a few minutes, once the fish is well coated and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pan from heat. Your Ikan Nila Balado is now ready to be served.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ikan Nila Balado hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional slices of lime if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal that will surely impress your family and friends.

Enjoy this spicy, savory Indonesian classic, and savor each bite of this delightful culinary creation!