Bandeng Bumbu Rujak: A Delightful Indonesian Dish

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Bandeng Bumbu Rujak, a delightful Indonesian recipe that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and savory notes. This dish, featuring milkfish marinated in a rich and aromatic sauce, is an excellent choice for a hearty meal served with warm rice and crispy crackers.

Ingredients

To create this tantalizing dish, gather the following ingredients:

4 whole milkfish (bandeng)
10 shallots (bawang merah)
8 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
1 ripe tomato
2 pieces of tamarind (asam jawa)
10 sprigs of kedondong leaves (daun kedondong)
Salt to taste (secukupnya)
Sugar to taste (secukupnya)
Flavor enhancer (micin) to taste (secukupnya)
1 cm turmeric (kunyit)
A pinch of ground pepper (merica bubuk)
A drizzle of soy sauce (kecap)
A drizzle of chili sauce (saos sambal)
10 red chilies (cabai merah)
5 small red bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit merah)
10 green bird’s eye chilies (cabai rawit hijau)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Begin by thoroughly washing the milkfish and cutting each fish into two halves. This will help the fish absorb the delicious flavors of the marinade.

Step 2: Blend the Marinade

In a blender, combine the red chilies, turmeric, shallots, garlic, and tomato. Add just enough water to facilitate blending. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

Step 3: Sauté the Spice Mix

Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice mixture to the pan, followed by the kedondong leaves. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

To the sautéed mixture, add sugar, salt, ground pepper, tamarind, and the flavor enhancer. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Add the prepared milkfish to the pan, gently coating it with the spice mixture. Drizzle a bit of chili sauce and soy sauce over the fish, allowing the dish to simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens, enhancing the taste and texture.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and serve hot, ideally alongside steaming white rice and crispy crackers for the perfect balance.

Enjoying Bandeng Bumbu Rujak

This dish is a symphony of spicy, salty, sour, and sweet flavors, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy your Bandeng Bumbu Rujak and savor the delightful harmony of Indonesian culinary traditions!

Note

Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. The interplay of flavors—spicy, salty, sour, and sweet—will leave you craving more!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delicious fish dish with a side of warm rice and your favorite crackers for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking! 🍽️